K171674 · Smile Development Corp · NXC · Jan 19, 2018 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K171674
Device Name
Angel Align System
Applicant
Smile Development Corp
Product Code
NXC · Dental
Decision Date
Jan 19, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.5470
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K171674 · Jan 19, 2018
Angel Align System
Smile Development Corp
Post-market clinical data
The sponsor submitted post-market clinical data to support the safety and effectiveness of the Angel Align System as a sequential aligner.
post-market clinical data; safety and effectiveness
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Post-Market Study; Post-market clinical study
—
Not applicable for this study
Safety and effectiveness for all tooth movements
Indications for Use
Angel Align System is indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.
Device Story
Angel Align System consists of clear, removable plastic orthodontic aligners and proprietary 3D software. Input data includes PVS impression scans or intraoral digital scans of patient teeth. Software generates a 3D model of the current state, simulates a provisional treated state, and interpolates intermediate tooth positions. Dental practitioners review, edit, and approve the treatment plan via the software. Approved plans are sent to rapid prototyping machines to create physical models; aligners are fabricated via thermoforming. Aligners are dispensed to patients to be worn sequentially, typically replaced every two weeks, to move teeth incrementally. Used in dental clinics by practitioners to treat malocclusion as an alternative to fixed wire/bracket appliances.
Clinical Evidence
Post-market clinical data was submitted and passed. The data provides evidence of safety and effectiveness for all tooth movements and demonstrates substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Removable orthodontic aligners made of 0.03" thick thermoformed polyurethane. System includes 3D software for treatment planning, rapid prototyping machines for physical model fabrication, and thermoforming equipment. Biocompatibility verified per ISO 10993. Software-driven, prescription-based workflow.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion in patients requiring orthodontic correction.
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/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters 'FDA' in a blue square, followed by the words 'U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION' in blue text.
Smile Development Corp Ian Kitching President & CEO 7179 Cherrywood Ct Highland, California 92346 January 19, 2018
Re: K171674
Trade/Device Name: Angel Align System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic Plastic Bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NXC Dated: December 6, 2017 Received: December 11, 2017
Dear Ian Kitching:
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
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801); 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.
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
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## 5. Indications for Use Statement (FDA Form 3881)
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES<br>Food and Drug Administration | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120<br>Expiration Date: January 31, 2017<br>See PRA Statement below. |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
**Indications for Use**
| 510(k) Number (if known) | K171674 |
|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | Angel Align |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | Angel Align System is indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion. |
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <label><input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</label> | <label><input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</label> |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
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FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
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| 6. 510(k) Summary | |
|------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) SUMMARY | |
| 510(k) Owner | Smile Development Corp.<br>7179 Cherrywood Court<br>Highland, CA 92346<br>Phone: 408.621.1152 |
| Contact person | Ian Kitching<br>Smile Development Corp.<br>7179 Cherrywood Court<br>Highland, CA 92346<br>Phone: 408.621.1152<br>ian@smiledevcorp.com |
| Submission Date | December 11, 2017 |
| Product Code:<br>Common Name | Orthodontic Plastic Brackets |
| Trade Name | Angel Align System |
| Classification Name | aligner, sequential |
| Regulation | 872.5470 |
| Class | Class II |
| Panel | Dental |
| Product Code | NXC |
| Predicate | K143630<br>Invisalign - Align Technology, Inc. |
| Description | |
#### iption
The Angel Align System consists of a series of doctor-prescribed, thin, clear plastic removable orthodontic appliances (aligners) and proprietary 3D software. The aligners gently move the patient's teeth in small increments from their original state to a more optimal, treated state.
The Angel Align System is intended as an alternative to conventional wire/bracket technology and fixed appliances for the treatment of patients with malocclusion.
The 3D software generates the model of a provisional treated state and then creates a series of models that represent intermediate teeth states. The dental practitioner reviews these models to view, edit or approve the orthodontic treatment plan. The dental practitioner has the option to
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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 manufactured, packaged, and shipped to the dental practitioner to be dispensed to the patient for treatment.
#### Indications for Use
Angel Align System is indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.
#### Technological Characteristics
The predicate and the Angel Align System were compared in the following areas and found to have similar technological characteristics and to be equivalent:
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| | Angel Align System | K143630 |
|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use<br>Statement | SAME<br>The Angel Align System is<br>indicated for the alignment of<br>teeth during orthodontic treatment<br>of malocclusion. | SAME<br>The Invisalign System is indicated<br>for the alignment of teeth during<br>orthodontic treatment of<br>malocclusion. |
| 3-D Software<br>Description | SAME<br>The Angel Align 3-D Software uses<br>a scan of a PVS impression or a<br>digital scan (which represents an<br>untreated state) to generate the<br>image of a final, provisional<br>treated state and then interprets a<br>series of images that represent<br>intermediate teeth states. The<br>dental practitioner then reviews<br>these images and has the option to<br>reject or request modifications to<br>the set-up prior to approving it for<br>aligner fabrication. Once the<br>dental practitioner approves the<br>treatment plan, the software<br>converts the files to produce the<br>series of custom-made aligners | SAME<br>The Align 3-D Software uses a scan<br>of a PVS impression or a digital scan<br>(which represents an untreated<br>state) to generate the image of a<br>final, treated state and then<br>interprets a series of images that<br>represent intermediate teeth states.<br>The dental practitioner then reviews<br>these images and has the option to<br>reject or request modifications to the<br>set-up prior to approving it for<br>aligner fabrication. Once the dental<br>practitioner approves the treatment<br>plan, the software converts the files<br>to produce the series of custom-<br>made aligners |
| Mode of<br>Operation for 3-D<br>Software | SAME<br>Angel Align System 3-D software<br>performs the following operations:<br>Produce 3D-model file of<br>the PVS impression or<br>digital scan. Identifies the individual<br>teeth that will require<br>treatment (i.e.<br>repositioning). Creates a treatment plan<br>(i.e. 3-D models that<br>represent the treatment<br>plan). The treating dental<br>practitioner reviews these<br>images using software and<br>has the option to reject or<br>request modifications to<br>the set-up prior to | SAME<br>Invisalign system 3-D software<br>performs the following operations:<br>Produce 3D-model file of the<br>PVS impression or digital<br>scan. Identifies the individual<br>teeth that will require<br>treatment (i.e.<br>repositioning). Creates a treatment plan (i.e.<br>3-D models that represent<br>the treatment plan). The<br>treating dental practitioner<br>reviews these images using<br>ClinCheck software and has<br>the option to reject or<br>request modifications to the<br>set-up prior to approval. |
| Material | | The Invisalign System uses either: |
| | SAME<br>0.03" thick, thermoformed<br>polyurethane | DIFFERENT<br>1. 0.03" thick, Multilayer aromatic<br>thermoplastic polyurethane /<br>copolyester.<br>or:<br>SAME<br>2. 0.03" thick, thermoformed<br>polyurethane |
| Mode of Use | SAME<br>Each appliance is worn by the<br>patient as determined by the<br>dental practitioner, generally 2<br>weeks prior to being replaced by<br>the next aligner in sequence. | SAME<br>Each appliance is worn by the dental<br>practitioner, generally 2 weeks prior<br>to being replaced by the next aligner<br>in sequence. |
| Description of<br>Appliance<br>Application | SAME<br>Removable | SAME<br>Removable |
| Manufacturing<br>Method | SAME<br>A digital model of the patient's<br>teeth is created from either CT<br>scanning a PVS impression or<br>directly from an intraoral scan of<br>the patient's teeth. From the<br>digital model, following a dental<br>practitioner's prescription, the<br>software generates model<br>transforms describing the<br>provisional final, treated state and<br>then interpolates a series of model<br>transforms that represent<br>intermediate states of alignment.<br>The resulting computer "setups"<br>relay this information to rapid<br>prototyping machines that produce<br>physical positive models. The<br>aligners are produced by<br>thermoforming on each physical<br>model to fabricate the sequence of<br>aligners. | SAME<br>A digital model of the patient's teeth<br>is created from either CT scanning a<br>PVS impression or directly from an<br>intraoral scan of the patient's teeth.<br>From the digital model, following a<br>dental practitioner's prescription, the<br>software generates model transforms<br>describing the final, treated state and<br>then interpolates a series of model<br>transforms that represent<br>intermediate states of alignment.<br>The resulting computer “setups”<br>relay this information to rapid<br>prototyping machines that produce<br>physical positive models. The<br>aligners are produced by<br>thermoforming on each physical<br>model to fabricate the sequence of<br>aligners. |
### Device Comparison Table
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The predicate and the Angel Align System were compared in the following area and found to have minor different technological characteristics. The following differences have been determined to not have any impact on the safety or efficacy of the Angel Align System:
| | Angel Align System | K143630 |
|----------|----------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Material | | The Invisalign System uses either: |
| | | <b>DIFFERENT</b><br>1. 0.03" thick, Multilayer aromatic<br>thermoplastic polyurethane /<br>copolyester. |
| | <b>SAME</b><br>0.03" thick, thermoformed<br>polyurethane | or:<br><b>SAME</b><br>2. 0.03" thick, thermoformed<br>polyurethane |
The following non-clinical performance tests were conducted:
| Software Validation | PASS |
|------------------------------------|------|
| Design Verification and Validation | PASS |
| ISO10993 | PASS |
Conclusions from non-clinical performance data
After performing non-clinical performance studies, the data shows that the Angel Align System is substantially equivalent to the predicate as a sequential aligner.
The following post market clinical data was submitted for clinical performance data:
| Post-Market Study | PASS |
|-------------------|------|
|-------------------|------|
Conclusions from the clinical data
The data provides evidence of safety and effectiveness for all tooth movements and demonstrates that the Angel Align System is substantially equivalent to the predicate as a sequential aligner.
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.