K172953 · American Orthodontics · KLE · Feb 6, 2018 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K172953
Device Name
Acid Etchant
Applicant
American Orthodontics
Product Code
KLE · Dental
Decision Date
Feb 6, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.3200
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Acid Etchant is a phosphoric acid etchant used for etching enamel and dentin to promote adhesion of primer/bonding agent adhesives to tooth structure and restorative materials.
Device Story
Acid Etchant is a 37% phosphoric acid solution used in dental/orthodontic procedures to etch enamel and dentin. It promotes adhesion of primer/bonding agents to tooth structure and restorative materials. The device is available in two forms: a gel (contained in syringes) and a liquid (contained in dropper bottles). The gel includes silica as a thickener to control flow behavior and viscosity, and a green dye for visual contrast during application. The liquid form is a thickened fluid. The device is used by dental professionals in a clinical setting. By etching the tooth surface, the etchant increases surface area and reactivity, facilitating a stronger bond for subsequent restorative or orthodontic materials, thereby improving the clinical success of the dental treatment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical performance testing was conducted. Bench testing included performance testing per ISO 29022:2013, viscosity testing, pH and acid content testing, and compatibility testing. Results demonstrated that the subject device performs comparably to the predicate, with average bond strengths of 27.20 N/mm² (gel) and 26.91 N/mm² (liquid) versus 26.71 N/mm² for the predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Composition: 37% phosphoric acid (CAS# 7664-38-2), water, colloidal silica (thickener), and green dye. Forms: Thixotropic gel (syringe) and thickened fluid (dropper bottle). pH: 1.6. Performance standards: ISO 29022:2013 (bond strength).
Indications for Use
Indicated for etching enamel and dentin to facilitate adhesion of dental adhesives to tooth structure and restorative materials in patients undergoing orthodontic or restorative dental procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A resin tooth bonding agent is a device material, such as methylmethacrylate, intended to be painted on the interior of a prepared cavity of a tooth to improve retention of a restoration, such as a filling.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
American Orthodontics Trang Adams Regulatory Affairs Specialist 3524 Washington Avenue Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081 February 6, 2018
### Re: K172953
Trade/Device Name: Acid Etchant Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.3200 Regulation Name: Resin Tooth Bonding Agent Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KLE Dated: November 13, 2017 Received: November 16, 2017
#### Dear Trang Adams:
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 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);
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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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Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: January 31, 2017
See PRA Statement below.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) unknown K172953
Device Name
Acid Etchant
Indications for Use (Describe)
Acid Etchant is a phosphoric acid etchant used for etching enamel and dentin to promote adhesion of primer/bonding agent adhesives to tooth structure and restorative materials.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:12px">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size:12px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for American Orthodontics. The logo consists of the letters "AO" in a stylized, blue font, followed by the words "AMERICAN ORTHODONTICS" in a smaller, sans-serif font, also in blue. The "AO" is larger and bolder than the rest of the text, making it the focal point of the logo. The overall design is clean and professional, conveying a sense of trust and expertise.
American Orthodontics 3524 Washington Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53081
www.americanortho.com
1 800 558 7687 +1 920 457 5051 office +1 920 457 1485 fax Page 5-1
K172953
# 510(k) Summary
#### Preparation Date: October 25, 2017
#### Company Information:
American Orthodontics 3524 Washington Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53081 Phone: 920-457-5051 Fax: 920-457-5773
#### Contact Information:
Trang Adams / Regulatory Affairs Specialist
#### Device Information:
Trade Name: Acid Etchant Common Name: Acid Etchant Classification Name: Agent, Tooth Bonding, Resin Product Code: KLE Regulation Number (21CFR): 872.3200
#### Predicate Device Information:
Product/Trade Name: E Dental Products e-1 Etchants Manufacturer: E Dental Products 510(k) #: K152110 Classification Name: Agent, Tooth Bonding, Resin Product Code: KLE Regulation Number (21CFR): 872.3200
#### Description of the Device:
Acid Etchant is a phosphoric acid etchant used for etching enamel and dentin to promote adhesion of primer/bonding agent adhesives to tooth structure and restorative material. The Acid Etchant will be available in gel and liquid form. The gel form will be contained in syringes and the liquid form will be contained in dropper bottles. Applicator tips will be provided with the gel form.
The Acid Etchant contains water, 37% phosphoric acid (CAS# 7664-38-2), silica and green dye. The silica is used as a thickener. The amount of silica will determine the flow behavior and viscosity of the Acid Etchant. The green dye is to provide contrast to the tooth's color. The combination of the flow behavior, delivery system and green dye provides and facilitates accurate and controlled application of the Acid Etchant during orthodontic treatment.
#### Indications for Use:
Acid Etchant is a phosphoric acid etchant used for etching enamel and dentin to promote adhesion of primer/bonding agent adhesives to tooth structure and restorative materials.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for American Orthodontics. The logo consists of the letters "AO" in a stylized, blue font, followed by the words "AMERICAN ORTHODONTICS" in a smaller, sans-serif font. The word "AMERICAN" is on the top line, and the word "ORTHODONTICS" is on the bottom line. The logo is simple and modern, and the blue color gives it a professional look.
American Orthodontics 3524 Washington Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53081
www.americanortho.com
1 800 558 7687 +1 920 457 5051 office +1 920 457 1485 fax Page 5-2
#### Substantial Equivalence Discussion:
The Indications for Use statement for American Orthodontics' Acid Etchant is not identical to the predicate in that the subject device includes glass ionomer cements and wording is slightly different; however, the differences do not alter the intended use of the device relative to the predicate. Both devices have the same intended use, to be used as etching agents.
Both devices have the same technological characteristics through delivery system, flow behavior, consistency, % Phosphoric Acid (CAS #: 7664-38-2), pH and incorporation of similar materials.
The table below outlines the comparison of the predicate device, E Dental Products e-1 Etchants and American Orthodontics' Acid Etchant to show substantial equivalency.
| Device Name / Manufacturer | | |
|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Element | PREDICATE<br>Device: E Dental Products e-1 Etchants<br>Manufacturer: E Dental Products | Device: Acid Etchant<br>Manufacturer: American Orthodontics |
| 510(k) Number | K152110 | unknown |
| Classification Code/<br>Regulation Number | KLE<br>872.3200 | KLE<br>872.3200 |
| Intended Use | Etch enamel, dentin, and glass ionomer cements. | Acid Etchant is a phosphoric acid etchant used for etching enamel and dentin to promote adhesion of primer/bonding agent adhesives to tooth structure and restorative materials. |
| Delivery System | Syringe | Syringe/Dropper Bottle |
| Material Composition | water<br>phosphoric acid<br>silica<br>dye | water<br>phosphoric acid<br>colloidal silica<br>dye |
| % Phosphoric Acid | 37.0% | 37.0% |
| pH | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Flow Behavior | Viscous | Viscous/Low Viscous |
| Consistency | Thixotropic Gel | Thixotropic Gel/Thickened Fluid |
The biocompatibility of the predicate device (E Dental Products e-1 Etchants: K152110) and American Orthodontics' Acid Etchant is essentially equivalent due to the fact that the chemical composition and properties are the same. Additionally, the original manufacturer's post-market experience has not shown any significant or adverse events. The predicate device (E Dental Products e-1 Etchants: K152110) did not have any reported issues or recalls according to FDA requirements.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for American Orthodontics. The logo consists of the letters "AO" in a stylized font, followed by the words "AMERICAN ORTHODONTICS" in a smaller, sans-serif font. The logo is in blue color. The logo is simple and modern.
American Orthodontics 3524 Washington Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53081
www.americanortho.com
1 800 558 7687 +1 920 457 5051 office +1 920 457 1485 fax Page 5-3
### Performance Data:
Clinical Performance Testing No clinical performance testing has been conducted.
Non-Clinical Performance Testing
The following non-clinical performance tests were conducted:
- 1. Performance Test in Accordance with ISO 29022:2013
- 2. Viscosity Testing
- 3. pH and Acid Content Testing
- 4. Compatibility Testing
The combination of in-house testing and side-by-side comparison performed by the original manufacturer has demonstrated the efficacy or suitability to the intended purpose of Acid Etchant. Results of bench testing indicate that Acid Etchant performs as well as the predicate E Dental Products e-1 Etchants. Any slight differences do not affect the original function or intended purpose of the device.
| Device Name: | Average Bond<br>Strength<br>[N/mm²] | Viscosity<br>(Pas): | Calculated<br>pH: | % Phosphoric<br>Acid: |
|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------|-----------------------|
| Acid Etchant (Gel) | 27.20 | 10.8 | 1.6 | 37.5 |
| Acid Etchant (Liquid) | 26.91 | 0.54 | 1.6 | 37.6 |
| E Dental Products e-1 Etchants (Predicate) | 26.71 | 7-4.7 | 1.6 | 37* |
Test Method Summary:
*Stated value from manufacturer
Compatibility Testing: It was determined that there were no incompatibilities or negative interactions found between the acid etchant and packaging/containers.
#### Conclusion:
Acid Etchant has the following similarities to the legally marketed predicate E Dental Products e-1 Etchants (K152110):
- Same intended use, and
- Same technological characteristics through delivery system, flow behavior, consistency, % Phosphoric Acid (CAS #: 7664-38-2), pH and incorporation of similar materials.
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.