K191774 · 3D Global Biotech, Inc. · NXC · Sep 30, 2019 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K191774
Device Name
SmileAlign Orthodontic Aligner System
Applicant
3D Global Biotech, Inc.
Product Code
NXC · Dental
Decision Date
Sep 30, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.5470
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System is indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusion in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). The SmileAlign Orthodontic Aligner System positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
Device Story
SmileAlign Orthodontic Aligner System consists of series of clear, thin thermoformed PETG plastic aligners; designed to progressively reposition teeth via continuous gentle force. Dental practitioner uses 3Shape Ortho System software to generate/review model schemes; practitioner approves treatment plan before fabrication. Patient wears aligners sequentially, typically replacing every 2 weeks as prescribed. Device used in clinical setting under professional supervision. Benefits include correction of malocclusion through programmed tooth displacement.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data included. Bench testing only: biocompatibility (ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity, ISO 10993-10 irritation/sensitization) and material properties (tensile strength, compression strength, water absorption, density, pH change) passed.
Technological Characteristics
Material: PETG (thermoplastic polymer). Form factor: clear, thin thermoformed aligners. Principle: continuous gentle force via sequential programmed displacement. Software: 3Shape Ortho System used for modeling/planning. 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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows 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 acronym along with the full name of the agency on the right. The FDA part of the logo is in blue, with the acronym in a square and the full name written out to the right of the square.
September 30, 2019
3D Global Biotech Inc. % Diana Lam Regulatory Affairs Consultant DuoCare, LLC 370 W Grand Blvd #110. Corona, California 92882
Re: K191774
Trade/Device Name: SmileAlign Orthodontic Aligner System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic Plastic Bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NXC Dated: July 2, 2019 Received: July 2, 2019
Dear Diana Lam:
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.
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
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/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
for Srinivas Nandkumar, Ph.D. Acting Director DHT1B: Division of Dental Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K191774
Device Name SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System is indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusion in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). The SmileAlign Orthodontic Aligner System positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable):
| <div> <span> <svg height="12" width="12"> <rect fill="none" height="12" stroke="black" width="12"></rect> <line stroke="black" x1="0" x2="12" y1="0" y2="12"></line> <line stroke="black" x1="0" x2="12" y1="12" y2="0"></line> </svg> </span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CER 801 Subpart D) </div> |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <svg height="12" width="12"> <rect fill="none" height="12" stroke="black" width="12"></rect> </svg> </span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
#### 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."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for 3D Global Biotech. The logo consists of the number "3" and the letter "D" in green, followed by the words "GLOBAL" and "BIOTECH" stacked on top of each other in gray. The logo is simple and modern, and the colors are eye-catching.
# K191774 - 510(k) Summary
# Applicant:
3D Global Biotech Inc.
Address: 21F-1, No.99, Sec. 1, Xintai 5th Rd., Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan
Telephone: +886-2-26971270
### Correspondent Contact:
Diana Lam,
DuoCare, LLC
info@duocarepro.com
### Date Summary Prepared:
Semptember 30, 2019
DEVICE NAME: SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System
TRADE NAME: SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System
COMMON NAME: Aligner, Sequential
DEVICE CLASSIFICATION Name: Orthodontic Plastic Bracket
CLASSIFICATION REGULATION NUMBER: 21 CFR 872.5470 DEVICE CLASSIFICATION: CLASS II CLASSIFICATION PRODUCT CODE: NXC
#### Predicate Device
| Primary Predicate | Byte Aligner System | K180346 | Straight Smile, LLC |
|-------------------|-----------------------|---------|---------------------|
| Reference Device | 3Shape Ortho System ™ | K152086 | 3Shape A/S |
#### Description of Device
The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System is a series of 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.
## Indications for Use
The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System is indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusion in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for Global Biotech. The logo has the number 3 in green on the left side of the image. To the right of the number 3 is the text "GLOBAL BIOTECH" in gray.
# Substantial equivalence
The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device with respect to indications for use, technological characteristics, principles of operation and materials...... as demonstrated in the comparison table below.
| Item Name | Subject device | Predicate Device | Substantial<br>equivalence<br>Analysis |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Device name | SmileAlign® Orthodontic<br>Aligner System | Byte Aligner System | - |
| Manufacturer | 3D Global Biotech Inc. | Straight Smile, LLC | - |
| 510(K) No. | - | K180346 | - |
| Regulation<br>No. | 21 CFR 872.5470 | 21 CFR 872.5470 | Same |
| Classification<br>Name | Orthodontic Plastic Bracket | Orthodontic Plastic Bracket | Same |
| Regulatory<br>Class | Class II | Class II | Same |
| Product<br>Code | NXC | NXC | Same |
| Indications<br>for use | The SmileAlign® Orthodontic<br>Aligner System is indicated for<br>the treatment of tooth<br>malocclusion in patients with<br>permanent dentition (i.e., all<br>second molars). The<br>SmileAlign® Orthodontic<br>Aligner System positions teeth<br>by 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. | Same |
| Intended<br>Population | Individuals with permanent<br>dentition | Individuals with permanent<br>dentition | Same |
| Mode of<br>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 movement<br>occurs through forces<br>applied by the device to the<br>dentition as each tooth<br>follows the programmed<br>displacement based on a<br>doctor's prescription. | Same |
| 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 | Each aligner is worn by the<br>patient as determined by the<br>treating dental practitioner,<br>generally for 2 weeks prior<br>to being replaced by the<br>next aligner in sequence.<br>This is<br>repeated for a duration as | Same |
| | | | |
| | Professional. | prescribed by a Dental<br>Professional. | |
| Raw Material<br>Used | Thermoplastic polymers<br>(polyethylene terephthalate<br>glycol or PETG) | Thermoplastic polymers<br>(polyethylene terephthalate<br>glycol or PETG) | Same |
| OTC or Rx | Rx | Rx | Same |
| Design | Image: clear aligner | Image: clear aligner | Same |
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for 3D Global Biotech. The logo consists of the number "3" and the letter "D" in green, followed by the words "GLOBAL" and "BIOTECH" in gray. The words "GLOBAL" and "BIOTECH" are stacked on top of each other.
The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. Both the subject and predicate devices use independent dental software to translate tooth movements in developing the model schemes and allow the dental practitioner to review and approve the model schemes before aligner fabrication. The difference between the subject and predicate device lies in the difference in manufacturer, where the risks have been mitigated by biocompatibility evaluation and material testing. SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System uses 3Shape Ortho System™ (K152086), the reference predicate, as the software for dental professionals to generate and review model schemes.
#### Non-Clinical performance Data
Different biocompatibility tests in accordance with ISO10993 have been performed on the subject device. The results of these tests and studies indicate there is no evidence of any hazardous effects and the subject device is safe for its intended use.
| Test Name | Standard followed | Result |
|---------------|-------------------|--------|
| Cytotoxicity | ISO10993-5 | Pass |
| Irritation | ISO10993-10 | Pass |
| Sensitization | ISO10993-10 | Pass |
Material properties, such as tensile strength, compression strength, water absorption rate, density and pH change were tested, all results provided reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.
# Clinical performance Data
Clinical data was not included in this submission.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for 3D GLOBAL BIOTECH. The logo has the number "3D" in green on the left side of the image. To the right of the number "3D" is the text "GLOBAL BIOTECH" in gray.
www.3dqlobalbiotech.com.tw Tel: +886-2-26971270 Fax: +886-2-26971272
### Conclusion
The SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System has substantially equivalent Indications for Use and technological characteristics to the previously cleared predicate device Byte Aligner System (K180346). The conclusions drawn from the data included in this submission demonstrate that SmileAlign® Orthodontic Aligner System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices in indications for use, design, technological characteristics, mode of action, method of use, 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.