Software as a Medical Device, Therapeutic, 3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
3M Clarity Aligners are indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.
Device Story
3M Clarity Aligners are clear, removable, thermoformed plastic trays used for orthodontic tooth alignment. Dental professionals (orthodontists/dentists) use standard dental software and the 3M Oral Care Portal (OCP) to create treatment plans based on digital scans or PVS impressions. The system integrates ULab software, allowing clinicians to design treatment plans directly, bypassing 3M technician interaction for certain workflows. The clinician reviews and approves the 3D model scheme; 3M then manufactures the sequential trays. Trays are provided to the patient to wear, applying pressure to move teeth gradually. The clinician monitors progress throughout the treatment. The device provides an aesthetic alternative to conventional wire and bracket systems.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing demonstrated conformity with pre-established specifications and acceptance criteria. Software testing was conducted in accordance with FDA guidance and ANSI/AAMI/IEC 62304:2015 standards.
Technological Characteristics
Clear, thin, thermoformed plastic aligners. System utilizes web-based Oral Care Portal (OCP) and ULab software for 3D modeling and treatment planning. Connectivity via standard PC/internet. Software life cycle processes follow ANSI/AAMI/IEC 62304:2015.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion in patients requiring orthodontic correction.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An orthodontic plastic bracket is a plastic device intended to be bonded to a tooth to apply pressure to a tooth from a flexible orthodontic wire to alter its position.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
September 5, 2019
3M Company % Prithul Bom Responsible Third Party Official Regulatory Technology Services, LLC 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 510k Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
Re: K192119
Trade/Device Name: 3M Clarity Aligners Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470 Regulation Name: Orthodontic plastic bracket Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NXC Dated: August 5, 2019 Received: August 6, 2019
Dear Prithul Bom:
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/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 Michael Adjodha Acting Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
|-----------------------------------------|
| Food and Drug Administration |
Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 08/30/2020 See PRA Statement below.
| 510(k) Number (if known) | |
|--------------------------|--|
|--------------------------|--|
K192119
Device Name
3Mm Clarity TM Aligners
Indications for Use (Describe)
3MM Clarity Aligners are indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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FORM FDA 3881 (7/17)
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## 510(k) Summary
K192119
# C. N
## 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92.
| 510(k) Submitter | 3M Company<br>2510 Conway Avenue<br>St. Paul, MN 55144<br>Owner/Operator No.: 2110898<br>Establishment Registration No.: 2110898 |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Primary Contact | Yanine Garcia-Quezada<br>Regulatory Affairs<br>Phone: (651) 736-8238<br>Fax: (651) 736-1599<br>ygarcia-quezada@mmm.com |
| Secondary Contact | Mark Burville<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>Phone: (651) 737-2027<br>Fax: (952) 918-5242<br>mcburville@mmm.com |
| Submission Date | 24 May 2019 |
| Proprietary Trade Name | 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners |
| Device Name | Aligner |
| Common Name | Sequential Aligner |
| Classification Name | Orthodontic Plastic Bracket |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 872.5470 |
| Product Code | NXC |
| Classification Panel | Dental Products Panel 76 |
| Classification | Medical Device Class II |
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### Indications for Use:
3M™ Clarity™ Aligners are indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.
#### Predicate Devices:
3M Clarity Aligners (K183159) [Primary Predicate Device]
#### Description of Device:
The 3M Clarity Aligners are a series of clear plastic aligners that offer a solution for patients who want an aesthetic orthodontic treatment by utilizing a set of removable aligners to correct tooth malocclusions without the use of conventional wire and bracket orthodontic technology.
A dental health professional (e.g. orthodontist or dentist), using a standard personal computer prescribes 3M Clarity Aligners based on an assessment of the patient's teeth, determines a course of treatment with the system, takes molds of the patient's teeth and completes a prescription form using a standard dental software used for tooth alignment, 3M then designs a series of plastic trays intended to gradually realign the patient's teeth in accordance with the physician's prescription using a standard dental software used for tooth alignment. The prescribing physician reviews and approves the model scheme before the molds are produced. Once approved, 3M produces trays, which are formed of clear, thin, thermoformed plastic. The trays are sent back to the dental health care professional who then provides them to the patient, confirming fit and design. Over a period, additional trays are provided sequentially to the patient by the dental health professional to gradually move the target teeth to the designed position. The dental care professional monitors treatment from the first aligner is delivered to when the final aligner is delivered. The trays are held in place by pressure and can be removed by the patient at any time.
There are no changes being made to the 3M Clarity Aligners themselves. Both the proposed 3M Clarity Aligners and the primary predicate 3M Clarity Aligners (K183159) have the same
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indications for use. The present premarket submission is to account for the overall software cumulative changes including the integration of the ULab software (K171295).
#### Technological Characteristics:
The modified 3M Clarity Aligners and the previously cleared 3M Clarity Aligners (K183159) have the same technological characteristics, such as design, material composition, device features, as well as their manufacturing processes.
#### Performance Testing:
Results of verification and validation testing demonstrate the proposed 3M Clarity Aligners showed conformity with pre-established specifications and acceptance criteria. Software testing was conducted in accordance with "General Principles of Software Validation; Final Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff'' dated January 11, 2002 and Medical Device Software - Software Life Cycle Processes; ANSI/AAMI/IEC 62304:2015.
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| Substantial Equivalence Comparison | |
|------------------------------------|--|
|------------------------------------|--|
| | Primary Predicate Device: | Proposed Device: | Comparison: |
|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | 3MTM ClarityTM Aligners<br>(K183159) | 3MTM ClarityTM Aligners | |
| Indications<br>for Use | 3M Clarity Aligners are<br>indicated for the alignment of<br>teeth during orthodontic<br>treatment of malocclusion | 3M Clarity Aligners are indicated<br>for the alignment of teeth during<br>orthodontic treatment of<br>malocclusion | Identical |
| Software<br>Description | The Oral Care Portal implements<br>3M Clarity Aligners ordering<br>and review/approval process.<br>Doctors may submit orders<br>through the Order Wizard. The<br>model is then manipulated<br>outside of the system for the<br>final occlusion based on the<br>characteristics in the submitted<br>order. This setup model is sent<br>back to the system for the doctor<br>to review, and subsequently<br>approved or rejected. If the<br>doctor rejects the model, the<br>process is repeated until the<br>doctor approves the model. | The Oral Care Portal implements<br>3M Clarity Aligners ordering and<br>review/approval process. Doctors<br>may submit orders through the<br>Order Wizard. The model is then<br>manipulated outside of the system<br>for the final occlusion based on<br>the characteristics in the<br>submitted order. This setup<br>model is sent back to the system<br>for the doctor to review, and<br>subsequently approved or<br>rejected. If the doctor rejects the<br>model, the process is repeated<br>until the doctor approves the<br>model. | Identical |
| Mode of<br>Operation | Oral Care Portal software<br>performs the following<br>operations:<br>-Produce 3D model file of a<br>digital scan or from a PVS<br>impression model<br>-Identifies individual teeth that<br>will require treatment<br>-Creates a treatment plan<br>-Communicates with Dental<br>Health Professional where<br>treatment plan is reviewed, if<br>modifications are requested<br>these are applied prior to<br>approval. | Oral Care Portal software<br>performs the following<br>operations:<br>-Produce 3D model file of a<br>digital scan or from a PVS<br>impression model<br>-Identifies individual teeth that<br>will require treatment<br>-Creates a treatment plan<br>-Communicates with Dental<br>Health Professional where<br>treatment plan is reviewed, if<br>modifications are requested these<br>are applied prior to approval. | Identical |
| Software<br>Elements | An electronic description form<br>and process used to depict, edit,<br>view, monitor and approve an<br>orthodontic treatment plan | An electronic description form<br>and process used to depict, edit,<br>view, monitor and approve an<br>orthodontic treatment plan | Identical |
| | Treatment Plan: | Treatment Plan: | Identical |
| Software Elements | -Dental Health Professional<br>accesses 3M OCP web-based<br>application<br>-Treatment plan is created and<br>submitted to 3M | -Dental Health Professional<br>accesses 3M OCP web-based<br>application<br>-Treatment plan is created and<br>submitted to 3M | |
| Software<br>Elements-<br>ULab | Set Up Record Treatment Plan:<br>-Dental Health Professional<br>accesses 3M OCP web-based<br>application and finds ULab icon<br>-Dental Health Professional<br>signs into ULab software<br>-Treatment plan is created and<br>submitted to 3M<br>-3M creates treatment plan based<br>on ULab setup record<br>-3M and Dental Health<br>Professional interact until design<br>treatment is approved | Full Treatment Plan:<br>-Dental Health Professional<br>accesses 3M OCP web-based<br>application and finds ULab icon<br>-Dental Health Professional signs<br>into ULab software<br>-Treatment plan is created and<br>submitted to 3M<br>-3M manufactures aligners<br>Note: there are no records QC or<br>setup review steps in the process.<br>The order goes directly to<br>production software | Proposed software includes<br>ULab treatment plan that<br>eliminates the interaction<br>with 3M technicians. The<br>Dental Health Professional<br>owns the treatment<br>planning process and<br>submits directly to 3M for<br>manufacturing<br>Note: both ULab Set Up<br>Record and Full Treatment<br>plans are available. The<br>Dental Health Professional<br>chooses which ULab plan<br>to use |
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## Substantial Equivalence Conclusion:
The 3M Clarity Aligners are substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device (21 CFR 807.100). The 3M Clarity Aligners are identical in all aspects to the primary predicate, other than software improvements and the integration of the ULab software. 3M Clarity Aligners are as safe, as effective, and substantially equivalent to the predicate device in terms of intended use, indications for use, design, performance, technological characteristics, mechanism of action, composition and biocompatibility.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.
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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.