The Byte Aligner System is indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusion in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). The Byte Aligner System positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
Device Story
Byte Aligner System consists of series of clear, thermoformed PETG plastic aligners; designed to progressively reposition teeth via continuous gentle force. Device used in oral cavity; patient wears each aligner in sequence for approximately two weeks as prescribed by dental practitioner. Aligners fabricated based on dental practitioner's prescription and design software. System functions by applying pressure to dentition to achieve programmed displacement. Benefits include correction of tooth malocclusion.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, sensitization) per ISO 10993. Manufacturing process validation performed. 2-year shelf life validated via real-time testing.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Form factor: Series of clear, thermoformed, removable aligners. Mechanism: Continuous gentle force via programmed displacement. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993 compliant.
Indications for Use
Indicated for treatment of tooth malocclusion 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.
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Straight Smile, LLC % Craig Coombs President Coombs Medical Device Consulting, Inc. 1193 Sherman St Alameda, California 94501
February 19, 2019
Re: K180346
Trade/Device Name: Byte Aligner System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic Plastic Bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NXC Dated: November 24, 2018 Received: November 26, 2018
### Dear Craig Coombs:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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.
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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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.htm); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-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,
Digitally signed by Mary S. Mary S. Runner -S3 Runner - S3 Date: 2019.02.19
19:02:26 -05'00'
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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K180346
Device Name Byte Aligner System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Byte Aligner System is indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusion in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). The Byte Aligner System positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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## K180346: 510(k) Summary
## A. Device Information:
| Category | Comments |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sponsor: | Straight Smile, LLC; dba: Byte<br>370 Alabama St., Ste K<br>Redlands, California 92373<br>Office phone: 1.818.231.2363<br>Fax Number: 1.512.727.0429<br>E-mail: sabbasi@byteme.com<br>Contact: Sepi Abbasi, Managing Member |
| Correspondent Contact<br>Information: | Craig Coombs<br>Coombs Medical Device Consulting<br>1193 Sherman Street<br>Alameda, CA 94501<br>Tel: 510-337-0140<br>Fax: 510-337-0416 |
| Device Common Name: | Sequential Aligners |
| Device Classification Number: | 21 CFR 872.5470 |
| Device Classification &<br>Product Code: | Class II,<br>NXC |
| Device Proprietary Name: | Byte Aligner System |
## Predicate Device Information:
| Predicate Device: | ClearCorrect System |
|-------------------------------------------|---------------------|
| Predicate Device Manufacturer: | ClearCorrect, Inc |
| Predicate Device Common Name: | Sequential Aligners |
| Predicate Device Premarket Notification # | K113618 |
| Predicate Device Classification: | 21 CFR 872.5470 |
| Predicate Device Classification & | Class 2, |
| Product Code: | NXC |
## Reference Device Information:
| Reference Device: | Smart Moves Complete |
|----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Reference Device Manufacturer: | Great Lakes Orthodontics Ltd |
| Reference Device Common Name: | Sequential Aligners |
| Reference Device Premarket Notification # | K172765 |
| Reference Device Classification: | 21 CFR 872.5470 |
| Reference Device Classification &<br>Product Code: | Class 2, |
| | NXC |
## B. Date Summary Prepared
11 February 2019
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## C. Description of Device
The Byte Aligner System is a series of Byte dental aligners fabricated of clear, thin thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) plastic to progressively reposition the teeth. Corrective force to straighten the teeth is delivered via minor changes into a modified position in each subsequent aligner.
## D. Indications for Use
The Byte Aligner System is indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusion in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). The Byte Aligner System positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
## E. Comparison to Predicate/Reference Devices
The Straight Smile Byte Aligner System is substantially equivalent in intended use, indications for use, mode of action, mode of use, design and materials to the predicate ClearCorrect System (K113618).
Both devices have identical Indications for Use, except for the device name, which implies they have the same intended use.
Both devices have the same modes of action and use. Both are a sequential series of rigid aligners that gently pressure the teeth to move in a desired manner. The patient transitions to the next aligner in the series approximately every two weeks. After completing the series, the user's teeth should conform to the desired position.
The application and predicate aligners are made from different base materials. The predicate aligners are made from thermoplastic polyurethane. The Byte aligners are made from thermoplastic PETG. PETG has been used in other dental appliances and aligners, including the reference device Smart Moves Complete sequential aligners (K172765). Straight Smile conducted testing that demonstrated that the PETG material can be manufactured into aligners and meet the same safety and performance criteria as the predicate and reference devices.
The testing described below demonstrates that the differences in the devices do not raise any unresolved issues of safety or efficacy.
Straight Smile concludes that the predicate ClearCorrect System (K113618) and the application Byte Aligner System are substantially equivalent.
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## Substantial Equivalence Justification Table
| | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>ClearCorrect System<br>ClearCorrect, Inc.<br>K113618 | REFERENCE DEVICE<br>Smart Moves Complete<br>Great Lakes Orthodontics Ltd<br>K172765 | APPLICATION DEVICE<br>Byte System<br>Straight Smile, LLC | Substantial Equivalence<br>Analysis |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | Sequential Aligner | Sequential Aligner | Sequential Aligner | Identical to both predicate<br>and reference devices |
| Classification # | 872.5470 | 872.5470 | 872.5470 | Identical to both |
| Product Code | NXC | NXC | NXC | Identical to both |
| Indication for Use | 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. | Smart Moves Complete is<br>indicated for the treatment<br>of tooth malocclusion in<br>patients with permanent<br>dentition (i.e. all second<br>molars). Smart Moves<br>Complete positions teeth by<br>way of continuous gentle<br>force. | The Byte Aligner System is<br>indicated for the treatment<br>of tooth malocclusion in<br>patients with permanent<br>dentition (i.e., all second<br>molars). The Byte Aligner<br>System positions teeth by<br>way of continuous gentle<br>force. | Identical to both, except<br>for device name |
| Intended Population | Individuals with permanent<br>dentition | Individuals with permanent<br>dentition | Individuals with permanent<br>dentition | Identical to both |
| Mode of Action | Orthodontic tooth movement<br>occurs through forces applied<br>by the device to the dentition<br>as each tooth follows the<br>programmed displacement<br>based on a doctor's<br>prescription. | Orthodontic tooth<br>movement occurs through<br>forces applied by the device<br>to the dentition as each<br>tooth follows the<br>programmed displacement<br>based on a doctor's<br>prescription. | Orthodontic tooth<br>movement occurs through<br>forces applied by the device<br>to the dentition as each<br>tooth follows the<br>programmed displacement<br>based on a doctor's<br>prescription. | Identical to both |
| Anatomical Site of Use | Oral cavity | Oral cavity | Oral cavity | Identical to both |
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510(k) Summary K180346: Byte Aligner System
| | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>ClearCorrect System<br>ClearCorrect, Inc.<br>K113618 | REFERENCE DEVICE<br>Smart Moves Complete<br>Great Lakes Orthodontics Ltd<br>K172765 | APPLICATION DEVICE<br>Byte System<br>Straight Smile, LLC | Substantial Equivalence<br>Analysis |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Mode of Use | Each aligner is worn by the<br>patient as determined by the<br>treating dental practitioner,<br>generally for 2 weeks prior to<br>being replaced by the next<br>aligner in sequence. This is<br>repeated for a duration as<br>prescribed by a Dental<br>Professional. | Each aligner is worn by the<br>patient as determined by the<br>treating dental practitioner,<br>generally for 2 weeks prior to<br>being replaced by the next<br>aligner in sequence. This is<br>repeated for a duration as<br>prescribed by a Dental<br>Professional. | Each aligner is worn by the<br>patient as determined by the<br>treating dental practitioner,<br>generally for 2 weeks prior to<br>being replaced by the next<br>aligner in sequence. This is<br>repeated for a duration as<br>prescribed by a Dental<br>Professional. | Identical to both |
| Application | Removable | Removable | Removable | Identical to both |
| Raw Material Used | Thermoplastic polymers<br>(polyurathane) | Thermoplastic polymers<br>(polyethylene terephthalate<br>glycol or PETG) | Thermoplastic polymers<br>(polyethylene terephthalate<br>glycol or PETG) | Identical to Reference<br>device. Used in same way. |
| OTC or Rx | Rx | Rx | Rx | Identical to both |
| Design | Image: ClearCorrect aligner | Image: Smart moves complete aligner | Image: Byte System aligner | Design is developed and<br>fabricated by similar or<br>identical processes used by<br>predicate and reference<br>devices |
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#### F. Summary of Supporting Data
Biocompatibility analysis demonstrates that the Byte Aligner System is in compliance with ISO 10993. Testing included:
Cytotoxicity
Sensitization
Information was provided to demonstrate that PETG is commonly used for dental appliances and in other aligners.
Bench testing has demonstrated that the device is in compliance with pertinent standards and specifications, the expectations of the dental community and the product labeling.
Straight Smile validated the manufacturing process of the Byte aligners, demonstrating that the process can adequately render the final device as specified by appropriate FDA-cleared design software.
Straight Smile validated the 2-year shelf life of the aligners with real-time testing.
### G. Conclusion
The Byte Aligner System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device (ClearCorrect System: K113618) 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.