nuance® FLOW is intended to be used as a composite tooth restorative.
Device Story
nuance® FLOW is a light-curable, flowable, methacrylate-based dental composite resin containing fluoride (0.5-0.7%). It is used by dental professionals in clinical settings for direct anterior/posterior restorations, cavity lining/basing, and intraoral repair of fractured crowns/bridges. The material is supplied in a 1 mL single-barrel syringe. During application, the clinician places the low-viscosity resin into the tooth preparation; the material is then polymerized (cured) using an external dental blue light source. The resulting restoration provides esthetic, durable tooth repair. The inclusion of fluoride is intended to minimize the likelihood of secondary caries. The device's performance is verified against ISO 4049 standards for dental polymer-based restorative materials.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance evaluated per ISO 4049 standards, comparing nuance® FLOW to the predicate device. Metrics included film thickness (37.8 vs 40.5 microns), depth of cure (2.49 vs 2.55 mm), flexural strength (85.9 vs 79.0 MPa), water sorption/solubility (27.2 vs 25.9 micrograms/mm3), and radiopacity (3 vs 2 mm aluminum). Both devices passed ambient light sensitivity and shade stability tests. No clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Class II dental polymer-based restorative material (ISO 4049). Composition: Methacrylate resin-based, light-curable, contains 0.5-0.7% fluoride. Form factor: 1 mL single-barrel syringe. Energy source: External dental curing light (blue light). Properties: Radiopaque, high strength, color stable. Biocompatibility established via history of safe use and literature; compliant with ISO 10993/EN 30993.
Indications for Use
Indicated for direct restorations of anterior or posterior teeth, as a cavity base/liner, and for intraoral repairs of fractured crowns and bridges.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Tooth shade resin material is a device composed of materials such as bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) intended to restore carious lesions or structural defects in teeth.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol consisting of three stylized human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other. The profiles are rendered in a dark color, contrasting with the white background of the seal.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
May 1, 2015
Den-Mat Holdings, LLC Ms. Helen Ragus Regulatory Specialist 1017 W. Central Avenue Santa Maria, CA 93436
Re: K143679
Trade/Device Name: nuance® FLOW Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.3690 Regulation Name: Tooth Shade Resin Material Regulatory Class: II Product Code: EBF Dated: March 31, 2015 Received: April 1, 2015
Dear Ms. Ragus:
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.
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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 (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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled. "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Tina
Kiang -S
for Erin I. Keith, M.S. 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)
Device Name
nuance® FLOW
Indications for Use (Describe)
nuance® FLOW is recommended for the following types of applications:
1) Direct restorations of anterior or posterior teeth
2) Cavity base/liner
3) Intraoral repairs of fracture crowns/bridges
Type of Use (*Select one or both, as applicable*)
| ☑ Registration Use (Part 21 CFR 601 Subpart D) | ☐ One-Time Study Use (21 CFR 601 Subpart C) |
|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows a logo for "DenMaf". The logo consists of the letters "d" and "m" in a stylized font, with the "d" in a lighter blue color and the "m" in a darker blue color. The text "DenMaf" is written below the letters in a bold, sans-serif font.
1017 West Central Avenue Lompoc,CA 93436 805-346-3700 www.denmatcom
# K143679
# 510(k) SUMMARY
S&C Polymer GmbH
### Submitter:
| Owner's Name: | Den-Mat Holdings, LLC |
|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 1017 W. Central Avenue<br>Lompoc, CA 93436<br>U.S.A. |
| Phone Number: | 805 346 3700 |
| Fax Number: | 805 347 7940 |
| Contact Person: | Helen Ragus<br>Regulatory Specialist<br>805 346 3700, X2932<br>hragus@denmat.com |
| Date of Summary<br>Preparation: | April 30, 2015 |
| Device Name: | |
| Trade Name: | nuance® FLOW |
| Common Name: | Light-Curable Dental Restorative<br>Material |
| Classification Name:<br>Classification Number: | Material, Tooth Shade Resin<br>Class II (21 CFR 872.3690) |
| Product Code | EBF |
| Predicate Device: | |
| | K990108 |
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### Description of the Device
nuance® FLOW is a Class II medical device intended to be used as a composite tooth restorative. According to the applicable FDA recognized consensus standard, ISO 4049-"Dentistry- Polymer-based restorative materials", this device is classified as Class 2: materials whose setting is affected by the application of energy from an external source, such as blue light or heat (Group 2). nuance® FLOW is DenMat's Flowable for use in direct restorations of anterior or posterior teeth. They are polymerizable dental monomer resins that are chemically-cured when exposed to dental curing lights. It is used to form a durable, esthetic restoration. It is a lower viscosity material that allows it to be used when ease of application and thinner layers are needed. nuance® Flow may be appropriate for dental Class I, III, IV and V type restorations where maximum mechanical strength and wear resistance is not required. A small amount of fluoride (.5-.7%) is included to minimize likelihood of secondary caries. nuance® FLOW is packaged in a 1 mL single• barrel syringe and offered in 8 shades: A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B1, B2, BL1 and BL2.
## Intended Use of the Device
nuance® FLOW is intended to be used as a composite tooth restorative.
## Indications for Use of the Device
nuance® FLOW is recommended for the following types of applications:
- 1) Direct restorations of anterior or posterior teeth
- 2) Cavity base/liner
- 3) Intraoral repairs of fracture crowns/bridges
## Substantial Equivalence Discussion
- 1) Intended Uses/Indications for Use
nuance® FLOW and the predicate device LC FLOWFILL are both intended to be used as a composite tooth restorative.
nuance® FLOW and the predicate device LC FLOWFILL are recommended for the following types of applications: direct restorations of anterior or posterior teeth, in cavity liner/base and intra-oral repairs of fractured crowns and bridges.
Scientific literature have been evaluated to determine the equivalence of similar products used for the same indications. The intended uses and indications for use of the subject device are substantially equivalent to that of the predicate device.
Page 2 of 5
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#### 2) Chemical Components
Chemical components in nuance® FLOW are used in the predicate device. Scientific literature have been evaluated to support the use of similar products for the same indications. The predicate device has not been a focus of any advisory notice or recalls, according to the post-market adverse event reporting requirements in the United States. The conclusion can be made that the chemical composition of the subject device is substantially equivalent to that of the predicate device.
#### 3) Technological Characteristics and Performance
nuance® FLOW and the predicate device LC FLOWFILL were both tested according to the applicable FDA recognized standard ISO 4049 Dental--- polymer based restorative materials. This standard specifies requirements for dental polymer-based restorative materials supplied in a form suitable for mechanical mixing, hand-mixing, or intra-oral and extra-oral external energy activation, and intended for use primarily for the direct or indirect restoration of cavities in the teeth and for luting. Testing results indicate that nuance® FLOW was as effective and performs as good as the predicate device. In addition, scientific literature was evaluated to support the use of similar products for the same indications. The conclusion can be made that the technological characteristics and performance of the subject device are substantially equivalent to that of the predicate device.
#### Biocompatibility
The subject device is categorized as an external communicating device with contact to tissue/bone/dentin and is a permanent contact device. nuance® FLOW's chemical composition as well as materials and technological properties is substantially equivalent to that of the predicate device. Both devices are made of materials with a long history of safe use. Biocompatibility of the predicate device was established according to EN 30993 and ISO 10993 Biological evaluation of medical devices. Cytotoxicity study resulted in no signs of cytotoxicity observed. Examination of irritation revealed no intracutaneous reactivity. The predicate device has not been a focus of any advisory notice or recalls according to the post-market adverse event reporting requirements in the United States. Available studies from scientific literatures support the biocompatibility of nuance® FLOW. No biocompatibility test is required to establish substantial equivalence.
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# Comparative Performance Data
| IS0-4049 Dental--- polymer-based restorative materials: Test Results | | | | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|-------------|-------------|--|--|
| | | nuance™ | LC | | |
| | Requirement | FLOW | FLOWFIL | | |
| Film thickness | <50 micron | 37.8 micron | 40.5 micron | | |
| Sensitivity to ambient | | | | | |
| light | >60 seconds, no cure | pass | Pass | | |
| Depth of cure | >0.5mm | 2.49 | 2.55 | | |
| Flexural strength | >50Mpa | 85.9 Mpa | 79.0Mpa | | |
| | <40 | | | | |
| Water sorption/solubility | micrograms/mm3 | 27.2 | 25.9 | | |
| Shade/color stability | match standard | match/pass | match/pass | | |
| Radio opacity | >1.0mm mm aluminum | 3mm | 2mm | | |
# Summary of Features and Characteristics of the Device Compared to the Predicate Device:
| Product | 510(k) | Dental Applications* | Chemical Composition | Material Properties |
|--------------|---------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| nuance® Flow | K143679 | - direct restorations of anterior or posterior teeth<br>- in cavity liner/base<br>- intra-oral repairs of fractured crowns and bridges | -Light-cure<br>-Methacrylate resin based<br>-Contains fluoride | -excellent color stability<br>- resistance to abrasion<br>-high strength<br>-high gloss polishability<br>-radiopaque |
| LC FLOWFILL | K990108 | - tooth fillings<br>- sealings<br>-cementing<br>(Current terminology used for the submission application) | -Light-cure<br>-Methacrylate resin based<br>-Contains fluoride | -excellent color stability<br>- resistance to abrasion<br>-high strength<br>-high gloss polishability<br>- radiopaque |
* - All listed Dental Applications are commonly used dental restorative material applications.
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### Conclusion
The information provided in this 510(k) submission demonstrates that nuance® FLOW is substantially equivalent to the predicate device LC FLOWFILL in terms of intended use, indications for use, chemical composition and physical properties.
It is concluded that the information supplied in this submission has proven the substantial equivalence of this product.
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Learn the FDA Browser
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.