3Shape Ortho System™ for dental retainers is intended for use as a medical front-end device providing tools for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment simulation and virtual appliance design based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. The use of the Ortho System™ requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software.
Device Story
3Shape Ortho System™ is a software-only medical device used by dental professionals in clinical settings for orthodontic treatment planning. It ingests 3D scanned dental models (STL), CT image data (DICOM), and 2D images (JPG, BMP, PNG). The software provides tools for managing patient case data, performing 2D/3D measurements, analyzing dentition (e.g., arch shape, Bolton analysis, space analysis), simulating tooth movements, and designing orthodontic appliances, including dental retainers. The clinician uses the software interface to visualize models and plan treatments; the output is a digital design file for appliance fabrication. By enabling virtual treatment simulation and precise appliance design, the device assists clinicians in orthodontic diagnosis and planning, potentially improving treatment outcomes and efficiency.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Software, hardware, and integration verification and validation were performed per FDA guidance. Validation included testing of implemented mitigations for identified device hazards.
Technological Characteristics
Software-only device programmed in Delphi. Operates on Windows 7/8 64-bit PCs with minimum 8GB RAM, 1GB video memory, and Intel Core i5 or equivalent. Supports DICOM, STL, JPG, BMP, PNG formats. No patient contact. Connectivity via network/internet. No specific sterilization required as it is non-contact software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for dental professionals to manage orthodontic models, perform inspection, analysis, treatment simulation, and virtual appliance design for patients requiring orthodontic treatment, including dental retainers.
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 and Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other. The profiles are black and have a flowing, abstract design. The logo also includes the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged in a circular pattern around the image.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
April 20, 2017
3Shape A/S Hanne Nielsen Regulatory Affairs Manager Holmens Kanal 7 Copenhagen, 1060 DENMARK
Re: K163677
Trade/Device Name: 3Shape Ortho System™ Software Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic plastic bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PNN Dated: March 9, 2017 Received: March 13, 2017
Dear Hanne Nielsen:
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. Iisting 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 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 Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical
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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/ResourcesforYou/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,
# Michael J. Ryan -S
for Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration,
#### Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known) K163677
Device Name 3Shape Ortho System™
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
3Shape Ortho System™ for dental retainers is intended for use as a medical front-end device providing tools for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment simulation and virtual appliance design based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment.
The use of the Ortho System™ requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
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# 510(K) SUMMARY - Traditional 510(K)
#### Submitter Information
| A | Company Name: | 3Shape A/S |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| B | Company Address: | Holmens Kanal 7<br>DK-1060 Copenhagen K |
| C | Company Phone:<br>Company Fax: | +45 7027 2620<br>+45 7027 2621 |
| D | Contact Person: | Hanne Nielsen<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| E | Date Summary Prepared: | March 6, 2017 |
| Device Identification | | |
| A | Trade/proprietary Name: | 3Shape Ortho System™ |
| B | Common Name: | Dental Retainers |
| C | Device Classification Name: | Orthodontic Plastic Bracket |
| C | Regulation Number: | 872.5470 |
#### D Product Code: PNN (Orthodontic Software)
# Predicate Device
The 3Shape Ortho System™ intended for dental retainers has the same intended use and technical characteristics as the predicate Ortho System (K152086) from 3Shape A/S as listed in "Volume 005, Comparison to Predicate Devices, Table 1: Predicates".
Based on the information and supporting documentation provided, the 3Shape Ortho System™ and the predicate (K152086) have same intended use. Both software devices are used by Dental Professionals in orthodontic treatment planning (before, durinq, after treatment) covering management of patients and models, inspection, 2D and 3D measurement and orthodontic analysis of models, 2D & 3D treatment simulation, as well as virtual appliance preparation, handling and export, and they are both providing device output. Therefore, the 3Shape Ortho System™ and the predicate (K152086) are found to be similar in their intended use, supported anatomic areas and the majority of the available features and functionalities.
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### Indications for Use
3Shape Ortho System™ for dental retainers is intended for use as a medical frontend device providing tools for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment simulation and virtual appliance design based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment.
The use of the Ortho System™ requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software.
#### Device Description
3Shape's Ortho System™ is a software system used for the management of 3D scanned orthodontic models of the patients, orthodontic diagnosis by measuring, analyzinq, inspecting and visualize 3D scanned orthodontic models, virtual planning of orthodontic treatments by simulating tooth movements, virtual placement of orthodontic brackets on the 3D models and design of orthodontic appliances based on 3D scanned orthodontic models. Output includes Dental Retainers. All devices are to be fabricated from FDA cleared or listed materials currently available in the software.
The device has no patient contact.
# Scientific Concept
The underlying scientific concept of the 3Shape Ortho System™ is to apply digital imaging tools for in orthodontic case archiving, diagnosis, treatment planning and CAD design of customized appliances.
The system supports the following types of digital data: DICOM, STL, JPG, BMP, PNG.
#### Summary of the technological characteristics
3Shape Ortho System™ is a software only device programmed in Delphi and has the following PC/laptop hardware requirements:
| Item | Minimum Requirements |
|----------------------|-----------------------------|
| OS: | Windows 7 or 8 64-bit |
| RAM: | 8 GB |
| Monitor Resolution: | 1280x800 or similar |
| Video Card Memory: | 1 GB GeForce |
| Available HDD Space: | 250 GB |
| CPU: | IntelCore i5 or equivalent |
| Network: | Network Internet connection |
| Mouse: | With the wheel button |
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# The 3Shape Ortho System™ Software has the same intended uses and technical
characteristics as Ortho System™ (K152086) from 3Shape A/S:
| Feature name | 3Shape<br>Ortho System™<br>K163677 | 3Shape<br>Ortho System™<br>K152086 |
|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Supported anatomic areas | Maxilla | Maxilla |
| | Mandible | Mandible |
| Intended use | | |
| Managing patient and case base data | Yes | Yes |
| Collection of study material | Yes | Yes |
| Alignment of study material | Yes | Yes |
| Measuring study material | Yes | Yes |
| Analyzing study material | Yes | Yes |
| Treatment simulation | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual appliance design | Yes | Yes |
| Supported PC formats | Windows | Windows |
| Managing patient and case base data | | |
| Creating, editing, deleting and copying patient data | Yes | Yes |
| Creating, editing, deleting and copying case data | Yes | Yes |
| Collection of study material | | |
| Surface scan for intra-oral scanner | Yes | Yes |
| Surface scan from STL file | Yes | Yes |
| CT image data | DICOM | DICOM |
| 2D overlay | PNG, JPG, BMP | PNG, JPG, BMP |
| Feature name | 3Shape<br>Ortho System™<br>K163677 | 3Shape<br>Ortho System™<br>K152086 |
| Alignment of study material | | |
| Aligning surface scan and CT image | Yes | Yes |
| Aligning cephalometric images | Yes | Yes |
| Alignment of 2D overlays (e.g. ideal arch) | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to check/adjust DICOM visibility | Yes | Yes |
| DICOM scan segmentation | No | No |
| Measuring study material | | |
| 2D measurement toolbox | Yes | Yes |
| 3D measurement toolbox | Yes | Yes |
| Analyzing study material | | |
| Arch shape | Yes | Yes |
| Wire length | Yes | Yes |
| Tooth width | Yes | Yes |
| Bolton | Yes | Yes |
| Space analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Overjet/overbite | Yes | Yes |
| Occlusion map | Yes | Yes |
| Treatment simulation | | |
| 2D & 3D simulation | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual appliance design | | |
| Orthodontic appliance search | Yes | Yes |
| Orthodontic appliance virtual preparation | Yes | Yes |
| Orthodontic appliance design | Yes | Yes |
| Orthodontic appliance export | Yes | Yes |
| Output | | |
| Custom Metal Bands | Yes | Yes |
| Export Models | Yes | Yes |
| Directly Printed Transfer Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Vacuum Pressed Transfer Media | Yes | Yes |
| Dental Retainers | Yes | No |
sshapel
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# 3SHAPE ORTHO SYSTEM™ SOFTWARE 510(K) SUBMISSION
sshap
AD
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#### 3SHAPE ORTHO SYSTEM™ SOFTWARE 510(K) SUBMISSION
### Nonclinical Testing
Software, hardware, and integration verification and validation testing was performed in accordance with the FDA Guidance Document "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices" (Issued on May 11, 2005).
The validation suite includes validation of implemented mitigations related to device hazards identified in the risk management procedures.
All test results have been reviewed and approved, showing the Ortho System™ to be substantially equivalent to the predicates.
### Clinical Testing
Clinical testing is not a requirement and has not been performed.
#### Conclusion
Based on a comparison of intended use, indications, principle of operations, features and technical data, and the test results, the 3Shape Ortho System™ is found to be as safe and effective as the predicate device. Intended use and performance is found to be substantially equivalent to the 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.