The sponsor utilized existing scientific literature regarding sequential aligners to support the safety and effectiveness of the 3M Clear Tray Aligner, supplementing the substantial equivalence determination.
Scientific literature; Sequential aligners; Safety and effectiveness
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Scientific literature review; Literature review
Patients treated with sequential aligners
Not applicable for this study
Safety and effectiveness of sequential aligners
Indications for Use
The 3M Clear Tray Aligner system is a series of clear, lightweight, plastic appliances indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusions in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). Utilizing a series of incremental tooth movements, it sequentially positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
Device Story
3M Clear Tray Aligner system consists of series of clear, thermoformed plastic aligners for orthodontic tooth movement. Dental professional assesses patient, takes molds, and submits prescription via standard dental software. 3M designs incremental tooth movement plan; physician reviews and approves model scheme. 3M manufactures custom trays; professional provides them to patient. Patient wears removable trays, applying continuous gentle force to teeth. Professional monitors treatment throughout sequence. System replaces conventional wire/bracket technology for aesthetic correction of malocclusions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Bench testing included translucency, shelf life, and life expectancy testing on thermoformed material. Biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation) performed per ISO 10993-1; results met requirements. Safety and effectiveness supported by scientific literature and predicate device history.
Technological Characteristics
Clear, thermoformed thermoplastic appliances. Principle: incremental tooth movement via continuous force. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-1 compliant (non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant). Software: moderate level of concern for ordering/processing workflow.
Indications for Use
Indicated for treatment of tooth malocclusions in patients with permanent dentition (all second molars).
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features the department's name in a circular arrangement around a stylized symbol. The symbol consists of three human profiles facing right, layered on top of each other to create a sense of depth and unity. The profiles are connected by flowing lines, suggesting movement and progress.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 27, 2017
3MTM Unitek Corporation c/o Mr. Mark Job Regulatory Technology Services, LLC 1394 25th Street, NW Buffalo, New York 55313
Re: K163689
Trade/Device Name: 3M™ Clear Tray Aligner Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic plastic bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NXC Dated: October 7, 2016 Received: December 28, 2016
Dear Mr. Mark Job:
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 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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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
{2}------------------------------------------------
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)
Device Name
3MTM Clear Tray Aligner
Indications for Use (Describe)
The 3MM Clear Tray Aligner system is a series of clear, lightweight, plastic appliances indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusions in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). Utilizing a series of incremental tooth movements, it sequentially positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
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."
FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary 3M Unitek
### 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92.
| 510(k) Submitter | 3M Unitek Corporation<br>2724 South Peck Road<br>Monrovia, CA 91016-5097<br>Owner/Operator No.: 2110898<br>Establishment Registration No.: 2020467 |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Primary Contact | Yanine Garcia-Quezada<br>Regulatory Affairs<br>Phone: (651) 736-8238<br>Fax: (651) 736-1599<br>ygarcia-quezada@mmm.com |
| Secondary Contact | Mark Burville<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>Phone: (651) 737-2027<br>Fax: (952) 918-5242<br>mcburville@mmm.com |
| Submission Date | 07 October 2016 |
| Proprietary Trade Name | To be Determined |
| Device Name | 3M™ Clear Tray Aligner |
| Common Name | Sequential Aligner |
| Classification Name | Orthodontic Plastic Bracket |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 872.5470 |
| Product Code | NXC |
| Classification Panel | Dental Products Panel 76 |
| Classification | Medical Device Class II |
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### Indications for Use:
The 3M Clear Tray Aligner System is a series of clear, lightweight, plastic appliances indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusions in patients with permanent dentition (i.e. all second molars). Utilizing a series of incremental tooth movements, it sequentially positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
#### Predicate Devices:
Invisalign® System (K081960) [Primary Predicate] ClearCorrect System (K113618) [Predicate Device]
#### Description of Device:
The 3M Clear Tray Aligner System is a series of clear plastic aligners that offer a solution for patients who want an aesthetic orthodontic treatment by utilizing a set of removable aligners to correct tooth malocclusions without the use of conventional wire and bracket orthodontic technology.
A dental health professional (e.g. orthodontist or dentist), using a standard personal computer prescribes the 3M Clear Tray Aligner system based on an assessment of the patient's teeth, determines a course of treatment with the system, takes molds of the patient's teeth and completes a prescription form using a standard dental software used for tooth alignment, 3M then designs a series of plastic travs intended to gradually realign the patient's teeth in accordance with the physician's prescription using a standard dental software used for tooth alignment. The prescribing physician reviews and approves the model scheme before the molds are produced. Once approved, 3M produces trays, which are formed of clear, thin, thermoformed plastic. The trays are sent back to the dental health care professional who then provides them to the patient, confirming fit and design. Over a period, additional trays are provided sequentially to the patient by the dental health professional to gradually move the target teeth to the designed position. The dental care professional monitors treatment from the moment
{5}------------------------------------------------
the first aligner is delivered to when the final aligner is delivered. The trays are held in place by pressure and can be removed by the patient at any time.
The technology is essentially identical to that used by a number of sequential aligner systems including the predicates referenced in Table #1.
#### Technological Characteristics:
Treatment of tooth malocclusions via a series of plastic appliances that incrementally moves teeth to a desired end-state is the technological principle for both the subject and predicate devices. A comparison between the technological characteristics of the 3M Clear Tray Aligner and that of legally marketed predicate devices has been performed. The results of this comparison demonstrate that the design, technology, materials and composition of the 3M Clear Tray Aligner are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
#### Mechanism of Action:
The mechanism of action is similar to the predicate devices and supports a determination of substantial equivalence. Orthodontic tooth movement occurs through forces applied by the appliance to the dentition as each tooth follows the programmed displacement based on a dental health professional's prescription.
#### Performance Testing
Although, bench testing was not performed due to the difficulty in evaluating this type of dental device in a laboratory setting: translucency testing, shelf life and life expectancy tests were conducted on the thermoformed tray material which showed acceptable translucency properties and shelf life requirements for all tested samples.
There is sufficient information available from the scientific literature and from the predicate devices to demonstrate that sequential aligners provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.
{6}------------------------------------------------
## Biocompatibility Testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the device was conducted in accordance with the US FDA Docket Number FDA-2013-D-0350. CDRH Document Number 1811 "Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1. Biological evaluation and testing within a risk management process -Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff" as recognized by FDA. The aligner is considered mucosal membrane contacting for a duration of greater than 30 days. The battery of testing included the following tests:
- Cytotoxicity .
- Sensitization .
- Irritation ●
The results of the testing met the requirements of the study protocols and the material is considered non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing and is not an intracutaneous irritant. The results of the studies further support a determination of substantial equivalence.
#### Software Verification and Validation Testing
Software verification and validation testing were conducted on the software that facilitates ordering and processing of the 3M Clear Tray Aligner to support that the device is as safe and effective as the predicates. Documentation was provided as recommended by FDA's Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." The software for this device was considered as a "moderate" level of concern.
{7}------------------------------------------------
# Substantial Equivalence Comparison
The following table compares the 3M Clear Tray Aligner to the predicate devices, Invisalign System, and the ClearCorrect System with respect to intended use, technological characteristics and principles of operation.
#### Table #1
| Feature | 3MTM<br>Clear Tray Aligner | Invisalign® System<br>(Primary Predicate) | ClearCorrect System<br>(Predicate Device) |
|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | To be determined | K081960 | K113618 |
| Manufacturer | 3M Unitek | Align Technology, Inc. | ClearCorrect LLC |
| Regulation<br>Number | 21 CFR 872.5470 | 21 CFR 872.5470 | 21 CFR 872.5470 |
| Device<br>Classification<br>Name | Orthodontic Plastic Bracket | Orthodontic Plastic<br>Bracket | Orthodontic Plastic Bracket |
| Product Code | NXC | NXC | NXC |
| Device Class | Class II | Class II | Class II |
| Indications for<br>Use | The 3M Clear Tray Aligner<br>system is a series of clear,<br>lightweight, plastic<br>appliances indicated for the<br>treatment of tooth<br>malocclusions in patients<br>with permanent dentition<br>(i.e., all second molars).<br>Utilizing a series of<br>incremental tooth<br>movements, it sequentially<br>positions teeth by way of<br>continuous gentle force. | The Invisalign System is<br>indicated for the alignment<br>of teeth during orthodontic<br>treatment of malocclusion. | The ClearCorrect System is<br>indicated for the treatment of<br>tooth malocclusion in<br>patients with permanent<br>dentition (i.e. all second<br>molars). The ClearCorrect<br>System positions teeth by<br>way of continuous gentle<br>force. |
| Mode of<br>Action | Orthodontic tooth movement<br>occurs through forces applied<br>by the appliance to the<br>dentition as each tooth<br>follows the programmed<br>displacement based on a<br>doctor's prescription. | Orthodontic tooth<br>movement occurs through<br>forces applied by the<br>appliance to the dentition<br>as each tooth follows the<br>programmed displacement<br>based on a doctor's<br>prescription | Orthodontic tooth movement<br>occurs through forces applied<br>by the appliance to the<br>dentition as each tooth<br>follows the programmed<br>displacement based on a<br>doctor's prescription |
| Material | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic |
| Material<br>Properties | Demonstrates sufficient<br>tensile strength, elasticity,<br>ductility, chemical resistance,<br>and clarity for use as a clear<br>tray aligner. | Demonstrates sufficient<br>tensile strength, elasticity,<br>ductility, chemical<br>resistance, and clarity for<br>use as a clear tray aligner. | Demonstrates sufficient<br>tensile strength, elasticity,<br>ductility, chemical resistance,<br>and clarity for use as a clear<br>tray aligner. |
| Feature | 3M™<br>Clear Tray Aligner | Invisalign® System<br>(Primary Predicate) | ClearCorrect System<br>(Predicate Device) |
| Software Used for Ordering<br>Workflow | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Design | Image: 3M Clear Tray Aligner | Image: Invisalign System | Image: ClearCorrect System |
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### Substantial Equivalence Conclusion:
The Clear Tray Aligner has substantially equivalent Indications for Use as the identified predicate devices. The verbiage of the Indications of Use of the subject device is slightly different than the declared predicates; however, these slight differences do not alter the intended therapeutic use of the device as compared to the predicates.
The conclusions drawn from the data included in this submission, demonstrates that the 3M Clear Tray Aligner is as safe, as effective, and is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices in indications for use, design, technological characteristics, mechanism of action, performance, materials and biocompatibility.
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.