K143630 · Align Technology, Inc. · NXC · Nov 18, 2015 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K143630
Device Name
Invisalign System
Applicant
Align Technology, Inc.
Product Code
NXC · Dental
Decision Date
Nov 18, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.5470
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device, Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Invisalign System is indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.
Device Story
Invisalign System uses PVS impressions or digital scans as input to generate 3D models of teeth. Proprietary 3D software (ClinCheck) interpolates intermediate tooth states to create a treatment plan. Dental practitioners review, edit, and approve plans via tablet application. Upon approval, system produces custom-made clear plastic aligners. Aligners are worn by patients to move teeth incrementally. System serves as alternative to conventional wire/bracket appliances. Practitioners use software to monitor progress and communicate via text comments. Benefits include aesthetic, removable orthodontic treatment for malocclusion.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Verification and validation testing performed per FDA guidance 'General Principles of Software Validation' and IEC 62304:2006. Testing confirmed conformity with pre-established specifications and acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
System consists of clear plastic removable aligners and 3D software. Software operates on mobile tablets (iPad iOS 8+, Android 4.1.2+). Connectivity involves downloading treatment plans to tablets. Software is rule-based/procedural for 3D model generation and visualization.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion in patients requiring tooth repositioning.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An orthodontic plastic bracket is a plastic device intended to be bonded to a tooth to apply pressure to a tooth from a flexible orthodontic wire to alter its position.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 18,2015
ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. Margaret Anderson, Sr. Regulatory Affairs Analyst 2560 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA 95131 US
Re: K143630
Trade/Device Name: Invisalign System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic plastic bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NXC Dated: October 20, 2015 Received: October 21, 2015
Dear Ms. Anderson:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act
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or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR [SELECT ONE: Part 801 [or, for IVDs only] Parts 801 and 8091); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Susan Runno DDS, MA
Erin I. Keith, M.S. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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#### Indication for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known): K143630
Device Name:
Invisalign System
Indications for Use:
The Invisalign System is indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OR
Over-the Counter Use _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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### K143630 510(k) Summary
Date Prepared: November 18, 2015
### Applicant Information:
Align Technology, Inc. 2560 Orchard Parkway San Jose, CA 95131
| Contact Person: | Margaret Anderson |
|-----------------|-------------------|
| Phone Number: | (408) 470-1410 |
| Fax Number: | (408) 470-1011 |
### Device Information:
| Classification: | Class II |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | Invisalign System |
| Common Name: | Aligner, Sequential |
| Classification Name: | Orthodontic plastic bracket (21 CFR 872.5470) |
### Device Description:
The Invisalign System consists of a series of doctor-prescribed, thin, clear plastic removable orthodontic appliances (aligners) and proprietary 3-D software. The aligners gently move the patient's teeth in small increments from their original state to a more optimal, treated state. The Invisalign System is intended as an alternative to conventional wire/bracket technology and fixed appliances for the treatment of patients with malocclusion.
The proprietary Invisalign System 3-D software generates the image of a final, treated state and then interpolates a series of images that represent intermediate teeth states. The dental practitioner then reviews these images to depict, edit, view, monitor, and approve an orthodontic treatment plan. The dental practitioner has the option to reject or request modifications to the set-up prior to approving it for aligner fabrication. Once the doctor approves the set-up, the series of custom-made aligners are then manufactured, packaged, and shipped to the dental practitioner to be dispensed to the patient for treatment.
### Intended Use:
The Invisalign System is indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.
# Equivalent Device:
The modified Invisalign System is substantially equivalent in intended use and/or method of operation to the Invisalign System (K081960). A comparison of the current and modified Invisalign System demonstrates that the device is substantially equivalent in terms of technology and performance characteristics.
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| Characteristic | Invisalign System 3-D Software<br>(K081960) Primary Predicate Device | Modified Invisalign System 3-D Software - (K143630)<br>Subject Device | Comparison |
|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use<br>Statement | The Invisalign System is indicated for the<br>alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of<br>malocclusion. | The Invisalign System is indicated for the alignment of<br>teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion. | Subject Device is the same as<br>predicate device. |
| 3-D Software<br>Description | The Align 3-D Software uses a scan of a PVS<br>impression or a digital scan (which represents an<br>untreated state) to generate the image of a final,<br>treated state and then interprets a series of images<br>that represent intermediate teeth states. The dental<br>practitioner then reviews these images and has the<br>option to reject or request modifications to the set-<br>up prior to approving it for aligner fabrication.<br>Once the dental practitioner approves the treatment<br>plan, the software converts the files to produce the<br>series of custom-made aligners. | The Align 3-D Software uses a scan of a PVS impression<br>or a digital scan (which represents an untreated state) to<br>generate the image of a final, treated state and then<br>interprets a series of images that represent intermediate<br>teeth states. The dental practitioner then reviews these<br>images and has the option to reject or request<br>modifications to the set-up prior to approving it for<br>aligner fabrication. Once the dental practitioner<br>approves the treatment plan, the software converts the<br>files to produce the series of custom-made aligners | Subject Device is the same as<br>predicate device. |
| Mode of<br>Operation for 3-<br>D Software | Invisalign system 3-D software performs the<br>following operations:<br>• Produce 3D-model file of the PVS impression<br>or digital scan.<br>• Identifies the individual teeth that will require<br>treatment (i.e., repositioning).<br>• Creates a treatment plan (i.e., 3-D models that<br>represent the treatment plan). The treating<br>dental practitioner reviews these images using<br>ClinCheck software and has the option to reject<br>or request modifications to the set-up prior to<br>approval. | Invisalign system 3-D software performs the following<br>operations:<br>• Produce 3D-model file of the PVS impression or digital<br>scan.<br>• Identifies the individual teeth that will require treatment<br>(i.e., repositioning).<br>• Creates a treatment plan (i.e., 3-D models that represent<br>the treatment plan). The treating dental practitioner<br>reviews these images using ClinCheck software and has<br>the option to reject or request modifications to the set-up<br>prior to approval. | Subject Device is the same as<br>predicate device. |
| Elements of<br>ClinCheck<br>Software | An electronic prescription form and process used<br>to depict, edit, view, monitor and approve an<br>orthodontic treatment plan. | An electronic prescription form and process used to<br>depict, edit, view, monitor and approve an orthodontic<br>treatment plan. | Subject Device is the same as<br>predicate device. |
| Elements of<br>ClinCheck<br>Software | Treatment Plan File:<br>• The plan downloads to a dental practitioner's | Treatment Plan File:<br>• The plan downloads to other computing devices (e.g., | The Treatment Plan File is not<br>downloaded and saved on |
| Characteristic | Invisalign System 3-D Software<br>(K081960) Primary Predicate Device | Modified Invisalign System 3-D Software - (K143630)<br>Subject Device | Comparison |
| (continued) | desktop/laptop computer<br>• The plan is stored on dental practitioner's<br>desktop/laptop computer | tablets)<br>• The plan is deleted upon exiting application | desktop/laptop for K143630 as<br>it is downloaded to a tablet and<br>deleted upon exiting the<br>application. |
| | Tool Bar and Buttons (e.g., Rotate/Translate,<br>PAST, OCCLUS, View Attachment, Number, IPR,<br>etc.) | Tool Bar and Buttons (e.g., Attachment, Number, IPR,<br>etc.) | The following are not available<br>on Subject Device tool Bar:<br>Rotate/Translate, PAST,<br>OCCLUS, and View |
| | Menu Bar (e.g., File, View, Export, Tools, Movie,<br>Printing, Help, etc.) | Menu Bar (e.g., File, View, Export, Tools, Help, etc.) | Subject Device is same as<br>predicate device, but without<br>Movie and Printing |
| | Animation Controls (e.g., Display, Play/Stop, Step<br>Forward, Step Backward, etc.) | Animation Controls: Play/Stop, Step Forward, and Step<br>Backward | Subject Device controls are<br>limited to: Play/Stop, Step<br>Forward, and Step Backward |
| | Viewing options toolbar (e.g., grid, superimposition,<br>basic buttons, etc.) | Viewing options toolbar (e.g., grid, superimposition,<br>basic buttons, etc.) | Subject Device is equivalent<br>to predicate device. |
| | Using text comments | Using text comments | Subject Device is equivalent<br>to predicate device. |
| | 3-D modification mode (3-D Controls) | Absent | Not available in the Subject<br>Device |
| | Advanced Software Features (e.g., Bolton Analysis,<br>Movie generation and Screenshot generation, etc.) | Absent | Not available in the Subject<br>Device |
| Minimum<br>Hardware<br>Requirements | • Intel® Core™ i5, 4 GB RAM, 2 GB free disk<br>space; Graphics card: Intel HD Graphics;<br>Windows 7, 32 bit; Internet Explorer 11, Chrome,<br>Firefox, Edge | • iPad 2 with iOS 8 or higher; 16 GB storage or more<br>• Android 4.1.2 or higher; 16 GB storage or more | Subject Device is not used on a<br>laptop/desktop computer as it<br>operates on a tablet. |
Align Technology, Inc.
CONFIDENTIAL
Section 10 - Page 3 of 5
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The Indication for Use of the modified Invisalign System is the same as the currently marketed device. Also, as supported by the risk analysis and software testing, the minor difference between the modified Invisalign System and the currently marketed device (e.g., downloading ClinCheck to other computing devices) does not raise any new issues of safety and effectiveness. The ease-of-use, communication features that are not available in ClinCheck Mobile (e.g., 3D Controls, Bolton Analysis, Movie generation and Screenshot generation, etc.) can all be performed using text comments. Thus, the currently marketed, predicate device (K081960) and the modified Invisalign System are substantially equivalent.
# Test Results:
Results of verification and validation testing demonstrate the Invisalign System showed conformity with pre-established specifications and acceptance criteria. The acceptance criteria were established in order to demonstrate the modified Invisalign System is substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device. Therefore, the results of this testing demonstrate the modified Invisalign System 3-D software is substantial equivalent to the primary predicate 3-D software. Software testing was conducted in accordance with "General Principles of Software Validation: Final Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff", 01/11/2002 and IEC 62304:2006 "Medical Device Software - Software Life-Cycle Processes".
# Conclusion:
Based on the intended use and performance information provided in this notification, the modified Invisalign System has been shown to be substantially equivalent to the currently marketed predicate device.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.