K171295 · Ulab Systems, Inc. · PNN · Jan 9, 2018 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K171295
Device Name
ULab Systems Treatment Planning Software
Applicant
Ulab Systems, Inc.
Product Code
PNN · Dental
Decision Date
Jan 9, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.5470
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
The ULab Systems UDesign 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 design of a series of dental casts, which may be used for sequential aligner travs or retainers, based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the plamed/desired treatment objectives. The use of ULab Systems UDesign requires the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software.
Device Story
UDesign is orthodontic diagnosis/treatment simulation software; inputs 3D digital dental scans (STL format). Software allows dental professionals to inspect models, perform measurements, simulate tooth movements, and design virtual dental casts. Output is STL files for fabrication of aligner trays or retainers. Used in clinical settings by orthodontists/dental professionals. Enables treatment planning, progress monitoring, and outcome evaluation. Benefits include rapid development of treatment plans and virtual simulation of orthodontic outcomes.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Software and integration verification and validation performed per FDA guidance. Testing validated mitigations for identified device hazards. All results met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Standalone orthodontic software. Inputs: 3D digital scans (STL). Outputs: STL files. Functions: 3D model management, inspection, measurement, treatment simulation, virtual cast design. No hardware components. Software-based.
Indications for Use
Indicated for orthodontic patients requiring management of dental models, inspection, analysis, treatment simulation, and virtual design of dental casts for sequential aligner trays or retainers. Requires trained orthodontic professionals.
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/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, featuring a stylized human figure. To the right is the FDA logo, with the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
January 9, 2018
ULab Systems, Inc. Charlie Wen President & Chief Technology Officer 101 Jefferson Drive, Suite 212A Menlo Park, California 94025
Re: K171295
Trade/Device Name: Ulab Systems UDesign Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic Plastic Bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PNN, LLZ Dated: November 27, 2017 Received: November 29, 2017
### Dear Charlie Wen:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Mary S. Runner -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}------------------------------------------------
Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2020 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known) K171295
Device Name
ULab Systems UDesign
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The ULab Systems UDesign 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 design of a series of dental casts, which may be used for sequential aligner travs or retainers, based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the plamed/desired treatment objectives. The use of ULab Systems UDesign requires the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well 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."
FORM FDA 3881 (7/17)
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
| I. Submitter Information | |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter name: | ULab Systems, Inc. |
| | 101 Jefferson Drive |
| | Suite 212A |
| | Menlo Park, CA 95025 |
| Contact person: | Charlie Wen |
| | President & CTO of ULab Systems, Inc, |
| | Email: charlie@ulabsystems.com |
| | Phone : (650) 868-4935 |
| Date Prepared: | 27 November 2017 |
| II. Product Classification | |
| t | TY 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1<br>TT |
| Device Name: | ULab Systems UDesign |
|---------------------|----------------------|
| Common Name: | Orthodontic Software |
| CFR Classification: | 21 CRF 872.5470 |
| Device Class: | II |
| Product Code: | PNN, LLZ |
III. Predicate Device
Predicate: 3Shape Ortho System (K152086), 3Shape A/S
### IV. Device Description
The ULab Systems UDesign is orthodontic diagnosis and treatment simulation software for use by dental professionals. UDesign imports patient 3-D digital scans and allows the user to diagnose the orthodontic treatment needs of the patient and rapidly develop a treatment plan. The output of the treatment plan may be downloaded as files in standard stereolithographic (STL) format for fabrication of dental casts, which may be used to fabricate sequential aligner trays or retainers.
### V. Indications for Use
The ULab Systems UDesign 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 design of a series of dental casts, which may be used for sequential aligner trays or retainers, based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives. The use of the ULab Systems UDesign requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software.
{4}------------------------------------------------
# VI. Comparison of Intended Use, Indications for Use and Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The subject and the predicate devices share the same intended use as software used by dental professionals in orthodontic treatment planning for management of patients and orthodontic models; inspection, measurement and analysis of the models; treatment simulation; preparation and export of a series of virtual dental casts.
The subject and predicate device are based on the following same technological elements:
- . Both are stand-alone software designed for use in management of 3D orthodontic models from patient scans;
- Both may be used to design a series of dental casts;
- Both apply digital imaging tools based on 3D orthodontic models for in orthodontic case archiving, diagnosis, treatment planning and CAD design;
- . Both provide virtual planning of orthodontic treatments simulating tooth movements;
- Both support stereolithography (STL file format).
Whereas the predicate device designs custom metal bands, indirect bonding transfer trays and dental casts, the subject device designs only dental casts. The predicate device additionally accepts inputs in multiple formats; the subject device only accepts STL file formats.
### VII. Performance Data
Software 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 May 11, 2005).
The testing includes validation of implemented mitigations related to device hazards identified in the risk management procedures.
All test results met acceptance criteria, demonstrating the ULab Systems UDesign performs as intended, raises no new or different questions of risk and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
# VIII. Conclusions
The ULab Systems UDesign has the same intended use as the predicate device. In addition, it has similar technological characteristics; performance data demonstrates that any differences in technological characteristics do not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness. Therefore, the ULab Systems UDesign is substantially equivalent to the cleared 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.