The device is indicated for fabrication of anterior and posterior dental restorations using different CAD/CAM or manual machines. All blanks are processed through dental laboratories or by dental professionals.
Device Story
Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank consists of zirconia ceramic blocks, discs, or rods composed of ZrO2, Y2O3, HfO2, and inorganic pigments. Used by dental professionals or laboratories to fabricate dental restorations (crowns, veneers, dentures). Input: zirconia blank; Process: CAD/CAM machining or manual shaping followed by sintering in an oven at >1400°C to harden the material. Output: final dental prosthetic device. Benefits: provides aesthetic, multi-layered, and varying translucency restorations for patients requiring dental prosthetics.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing performed per ISO 6872:2008 to verify specifications including flexural strength, chemical solubility, thermal expansion, and radioactivity. Biocompatibility established via material equivalence to predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Ceramic dental blanks (blocks, discs, rods). Material: Zirconia (ZrO2 + Y2O3 + HfO2 ≥ 98%) with inorganic pigments (Fe2O3, Er2O3). Processing: Sintering >1400°C. Conforms to ISO 6872. Non-sterile.
Indications for Use
Indicated for fabrication of anterior and posterior dental restorations, including veneers, inlays, single crowns, and substructures for multiple-unit prostheses. Intended for use by dental professionals or in dental laboratories.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Porcelain powder for clinical use is a device consisting of a mixture of kaolin, felspar, quartz, or other substances intended for use in the production of artificial teeth in fixed or removable dentures, of jacket crowns, facings, and veneers. The device is used in prosthetic dentistry by heating the powder mixture to a high temperature in an oven to produce a hard prosthesis with a glass-like finish.
Predicate Devices
Dental Zirconia Blank for Aesthetic Restoration (K152175)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health and 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 7, 2023
Liaoning UPCERA CO., Ltd % Charles Shen Director Manton Business and Technology Services 37 Winding Ridge Oakland, New Jersey 07436
Re: K231687
Trade/Device Name: Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.6660 Regulation Name: Porcelain Powder For Clinical Use Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: EIH Dated: June 9, 2023 Received: June 9, 2023
Dear Charles Shen:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 mediation-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.
# Michael E. Adjodha -S
Michael E. Adjodha, M.ChE. Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT 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) K231687
Device Name Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank
Indications for Use (Describe)
The device is indicated for fabrication of anterior and posterior dental restorations using different CAD/CAM or manual machines. All blanks are processed through dental laboratories or by dental professionals.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| <input type="checkbox"/> | <input type="checkbox"/> |
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### 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}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary: K231687
This summary of substantial equivalence information for K231687 is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21CFR 807.92
#### 5.1 Submitter & Foreign Manufacture Identification
Liaoning Upcera Co., Ltd No.122 Xianghuai Road, Economic Development Zone, Benxi, Liaoning, China Tel: (086)-24-45565006 Submitter's FDA Registration Number: 3010582952 www.upcera-dental.com
#### 5.2 Contact Person
Image /page/3/Picture/5 description: The image shows a logo with Chinese characters and a stylized letter "M". The letter "M" is formed by two blue triangles with a grainy texture, resembling a mountain range. Above the "M" is a curved, light blue shape, possibly representing a crescent moon or an arc. To the right of the arc are orange Chinese characters, adding a cultural element to the logo. The overall design is simple yet distinctive, likely representing a company or organization with a connection to China.
Charles Shen Manton Business and Technology Services 37 Winding Ridge, Oakland, NJ 07436 Tel: 608-217-9358 Email: cyshen@aol.com
#### 5.3 Date of Summary: September 1, 2023
#### 5.4 Device Name:
| Proprietary Name: | Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank |
|------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Dental Zirconia Ceramics |
| Classification Name: | Powder, Porcelain |
| Device Classification: | II |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 872.6660 |
| Panel: General | Dental |
| Product Code: | EIH |
#### ર્સ્ડ Predicate Device Information:
K152175, "Dental Zirconia Blank for Aesthetic Restoration", manufactured by "Liaoning Upcera Co., Ltd." (Primary predicate)
#### 5.6 Device Description:
"Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank" is derived from zirconia powder that has been processed through various molding and sintering techniques - into their final net shapes. These blanks are then further fabricated into various prosthetic dental devices intended for use in the production of artificial teeth in fixed or removable dentures, or for jacket
{4}------------------------------------------------
crowns, facings, and veneers. The zirconia powder is composed of ZrO2 , Y2O3, HfO2 and other oxides. The performance of formed zirconia dental blanks conforms to ISO 6872, Dentistry, Ceramic Materials.
"Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank" is ceramic dental blanks designed for the manufacture of ceramic dental prosthetic devices. The dental prosthetic devices are fabricated by CAD/CAM machining processes. All prosthetic dental devices are intended for single use applications. At the dental lab, the blanks are held to the CAD/CAM machine which is used to machine to the final dental restoration. At the completion of the machining steps, the dental restoration is fired (i.e., sintered) in the oven to harden the ZrO2 so that its final properties can be achieved.
"Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank" is supplied in different shapes, such as blocks, discs, rods, or customer ordered shapes. It is also supplied in the combinations of fifty different colors, gradual changing translucencies, and multi-layer aesthetic effect.
The different colors are originated from the different constituent of color additives (such as Fe2O3, Er2O3); the different translucencies are originated from small difference in the amount of Y2 O3, and the multilayer aesthetic effect is originated from the different padding method used in the process of dry pressing.
#### 5.7 Indications for Use:
The device is indicated for fabrication of anterior and posterior dental restorations using different CAD/CAM or manual machines. All blanks are processed through dental labora tories or by dental professionals.
#### 5.8 Technological Comparison with Predicate Device
The following table shows similarities and differences of use, design, and material between our device and the predicate devices.
{5}------------------------------------------------
| Description | Subject Device | Predicate Device (K152175) |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indication for<br>Use | For fabrication of anterior and posterior d<br>ental restorations using different CAD/C<br>AM or manual machines.<br>All blanks are processed through dental la<br>boratories or by dental professionals. | Is mainly used in prosthetic treatment.<br>While the flexural strength of Dental<br>Zirconia Ceramics after sintering is<br>between 300-500 MPa, the product can<br>be used for veneering, inlay, single<br>crown, and substructure ceramic for<br>three-unit prostheses not involving<br>molar restoration; While the flexural<br>strength of Dental Zirconia Ceramics<br>after sintering is over 500 MPa, it can<br>be used for veneering, inlay, single<br>crown, and substrate ceramic for three-<br>unit prostheses. |
| Basic Design | Blocks, disc, and rod | Blocks, disc, and rod |
| Materials | Zirconia ( $ZrO_2 + Y_2O_3 + HfO_2 \ge 98%$ )<br>Inorganic pigments | Zirconia ( $ZrO_2 + Y_2O_3 + HfO_2$ ) ≥ 98%)<br>Inorganic pigments |
| Processing | Sintering at temperature > 1400 °C | Sintering at temperature > 1400 °C |
| Dimension | Various | Various |
| Single Use | Yes | Yes |
| Shade | Fifty colors, one aesthetic effects, and<br>gradual change of translucency effect | Forty six colors, two aesthetic effects:<br>single and multilayer effect, and three<br>translucency effects |
| Sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile |
Table 5.1: Comparison of Intended Use, Design, Material, and Processing
There are wording differences in the indications for use statement between the subject and predicate devices, but the expressed indications essentially have the same meaning. Both devices are intended to be used in the prosthetic treatment and dental restorations. Anterior and posterior dental restorations (as stated for the subject device) include veneering, inlay, single crown, and substrate ceramic for multiple unit prostheses (as stated for the predicate device).
Our device is also essentially identical to the predicate device in terms of design, material, and processing between our device and the predicate devices. The minor differences do not raise any safety and effectiveness concerns.
#### રું. તે તે તે તે તે તે પ્રતિષ્ઠા તાલુકામાં આવેલું એ તાલુકામાં આવેલું એક ગામનાં મુખ્યત્વે ખાતે ખાતે ખાતે ખાતે ખેતી કરવામાં આવેલું એક ગામનાં મુખ્યત્વે ખેત-ઉત Comparison of Performance with Predicate Device
Performance testing was performed on the subject device and results were compared with predicate device. Tests were conducted following applicable procedures outlined in the FDA recognized consensus standard of ISO 6872, and results met all relevant requirements in the test standard. Test results on radioactivity, thermal expansion,
{6}------------------------------------------------
chemical solubility, and flexural strength of the subject device are very similar to the predicate device.
Since "Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank" uses the same material, same composition, same manufacture process as its predicate device, K152175, the biocompatibility of the subject device has been established.
#### Summary of Non-Clinical Testing: 5.10
Bench testing was performed per ISO 6872:2008 and internal procedures to ensure that the "Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank" met its specifications. All tests were verified to meet acceptance criteria. Biocompatibility testing was performed to verify the equivalence of the materials that are used.
#### 5.11 Summary of Clinical Study:
Clinical Study is not performed for this device.
#### 5.12 Substantial Equivalence Conclusion
It has been shown in this 510(k) submission that "Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank" and its predicate devices have similar indications for use, similar composition, and biocompatibility, similar manufacturing process, and similar performance.
The difference between the "Gradual Dental Zirconia Blank" and their predicate device do not raise any question regarding its equivalence.
In accordance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 CFR Part 807 and based on the information provided in this premarket notification, the subject device is respectively substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
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.