K253565 · Dentsply Sirona, Inc. · PNN · Mar 4, 2026 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K253565
Device Name
SureSmile Software
Applicant
Dentsply Sirona, Inc.
Product Code
PNN · Dental
Decision Date
Mar 4, 2026
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.5470
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
The SureSmile Software is indicated for use as a front-end device for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment planning and simulation and the design of custom appliance systems, which may include sequential aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, or wires, and dental casts. These applications are based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of the orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives. The use of the SureSmile Software requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software.
Device Story
Software tool for orthodontic treatment planning; inputs 3D dental models (STL, DICOM); enables systematic inspection, analysis, and simulation of tooth movement; supports design of custom appliances (aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, wires); acts as order management system for SureSmile Digital Lab services; used by trained orthodontic professionals in clinical settings; output used by clinicians to visualize treatment progress and design patient-specific appliances; facilitates clinical decision-making regarding treatment objectives; benefits patient through customized, planned orthodontic therapy.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data included. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical performance testing and software integration testing per FDA guidance.
Technological Characteristics
Orthodontic treatment planning software; supports STL and DICOM file formats; operates on Windows 10 or Mac OS; requires minimum 8GB RAM and 128GB storage; standalone software application; no physical contact with patient; design controls per ISO 13485.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring orthodontic treatment; used by trained orthodontic professionals for management of 3D dental models, inspection, analysis, treatment planning, simulation, and design of custom appliances (aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, wires, dental casts).
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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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
March 4, 2026
Dentsply Sirona, Inc.
John Van Hoven
Regulatory Affairs Manager
221 W. Philadelphia St.
York, Pennsylvania 17401
Re: K253565
Trade/Device Name: SureSmile Software
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5470
Regulation Name: Orthodontic Plastic Bracket
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: PNN
Dated: November 17, 2025
Received: November 17, 2025
Dear John Van Hoven:
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 (the 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 available 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K253565 - John Van Hoven
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Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, ISO 13485 clause 7.3 (Design controls), ISO 13485 clause 8.3 (Nonconforming product), and ISO 13485 clause 8.5 (Corrective and preventative action). Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QMSR requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (ISO 13485 clause 7.3 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the Medical Device File (21 CFR 820.181).
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 Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-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/medical-devices/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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-
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K253565 - John Van Hoven
Page 3
assistance/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, MChE, RAC, CQIA
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
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| Indications for Use | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Please type in the marketing application/submission number, if it is known. This textbox will be left blank for original applications/submissions. | K253565 | ? |
| Please provide the device trade name(s). | | ? |
| SureSmile Software | | |
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. | | ? |
| The SureSmile Software is indicated for use as a front-end device for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment planning and simulation and the design of custom appliance systems, which may include sequential aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, or wires, and dental casts. These applications are based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of the orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives.
The use of the SureSmile Software requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software. | | |
| Please select the types of uses (select one or both, as applicable). | ☑ Prescription Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | ? |
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K253565 - 510(k) SUMMARY
SureSmile Software
1. Submitter Information:
Name: Dentsply Sirona Orthodontics Inc.
Address: 221 West Philadelphia Street, Suite 60W
York, PA 17404
Contact Person: John Van Hoven
Telephone Number: +1(941)554-5276
Email address: john.vanhoven@dentsplysirona.com
Date Prepared: February 24, 2026
2. Device Name:
Proprietary Name: SureSmile Software
Common Name: Orthodontic Appliance Treatment Planning Software
Classification Name: Orthodontic Plastic Bracket
CFR Number: 21 CFR 872.5470
Device Class: 2
Product Code: PNN
3. Predicate Device:
Table FS.1: Predicate device information
| Predicate Device | 510(k) | Company Name |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ArchForm Orthodontic Software System | K213916 | ArchForm, Inc. |
Table FS.2: Reference device information
| Reference Device Name | 510(k) | Company Name |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3Shape Ortho System | K171634 | 3Shape A/S |
| Spark Clear Aligner System | K203737 | Ormco Corporation |
4. Description of Device:
The SureSmile® Software is suitable for use for patients requiring orthodontic treatment; it allows the user to plan therapy and then order patient matched orthodontic appliances. The software includes many features to support diagnosis, planning, appliance design and treatment tracking. Additionally, SureSmile Software acts as the order management system for all SureSmile Digital Lab services and appliance production. SureSmile Software contains features to support ordering and shipment tracking. The software does not have any contact with the body.
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5. Indications for Use:
The SureSmile Software is indicated for use as a front-end software tool for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment planning and simulation and the design of custom appliance systems, which may include sequential aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, or wires, and dental casts. These applications are based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives.
The use of the SureSmile Software requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software.
6. Substantial Equivalence Discussion:
The SureSmile Software is functionally equivalent to the ArchForm Orthodontic Software System (K213916). Table FS.3 below demonstrates that the functional characteristics of the SureSmile Software are substantially equivalent to its predicate device.
7. Comparison of the Indications for Use to Predicate Devices:
Based on the comparison found in Table FS.3, the Indications for Use statement of the SureSmile Software is the same as that of the ArchForm Orthodontic Software System. The treatment planning capabilities of the SureSmile Software is inclusive of orthodontic sequential aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, wires, and dental casts, all of which are also included for the predicate device and / or reference devices. Therefore, the SureSmile Software can be considered substantially equivalent to its predicate device.
8. Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
Based on the comparison found in Table FS.3, the design, construction, and performance characteristics of the SureSmile Software is very similar, and in many cases the same, to that of the ArchForm Orthodontic Software System. The technological features of the SureSmile Software are the same or similar to the technological features of the predicate and / or reference devices. Therefore, the SureSmile Software can be considered substantially equivalent to its predicate device.
9. Non-Clinical Performance Data:
Utilizing FDA Guidance document "Content of Premarket Submissions for Device Software Functions" (issued June 14, 2023), the SureSmile Software underwent appropriate integration and other performance testing. The software passed the testing and performed per its intended use. The conclusions drawn from the nonclinical tests demonstrate that the proposed device is substantially equivalent to the identified legally marketed predicate device, K213916.
10. Clinical Performance Data
No data from human clinical studies has been included to support the substantial equivalence of the proposed SureSmile Software.
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Table FS.3: Comparison of proposed, predicate and reference devices.
| Device Name / 510(k) | SureSmile Software | ArchForm Orthodontic Software System (K213916) | 3Shape Ortho System (K171634) | SparkTM Clear Aligner System (K203737) | Substantial Equivalence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device | Reference Device 1 | Reference Device 2 | |
| Manufacturer | Dentsply Sirona Orthodontics Inc | ArchForm, Inc | 3Shape A/S | Ormco Corporation | N/A |
| Class | II | II | II | II | Same as predicate. |
| Classification Regulation | 872.5470 | 872.5470 | 872.5470 | 872.5470 | Same as predicate. |
| Product Code | PNN | PNN, LLZ | PNN, LLZ | NXC, PNN | Same as predicate. |
| Common Name | Orthodontic Plastic Brackets (Software) | Orthodontic Plastic Brackets (Software) | Orthodontic Plastic Brackets (Software) | Orthodontic plastic bracket | Same as predicate. |
| Indications for Use, User Population | | | | | |
| Indication for Use | The SureSmile Software is indicated for use as a front-end device for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment planning and simulation and the design of custom appliance systems, which may include sequential aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, or wires, and dental casts. These applications are based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of the orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives.The use of the SureSmile Software requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software. | ArchForm Orthodontic system is indicated for use as a front-end software tool for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment simulation and virtual appliance design options, including dental casts, which may be used for sequential aligner trays or retainers. These applications are based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives.The use of the ArchForm Orthodontic Software System requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software. | 3Shape Ortho SystemTM is intended for use as a medical front-end device providing tools for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment simulation and virtual appliance design options (Custom Metal Bands, Export of Models, Indirect Bonding Transfer Media) based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives.The use of the Ortho SystemTM requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well as to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software. | SparkTM Software System: The SparkTM Software System is intended for use as a medical front-end device providing tools for management of orthodontic models, systematic inspection, detailed analysis, treatment simulation and virtual design of a series of dental casts, which may be used for sequential aligner trays, retainers or bracket bonding templates based on 3D models of the patient's dentition before the start of an orthodontic treatment. It can also be applied during the treatment to inspect and analyze the progress of the treatment. It can be used at the end of the treatment to evaluate if the outcome is consistent with the planned/desired treatment objectives.The use of the SparkTM Clear Aligner System and SparkTM Software System requires the user to have the necessary training and domain knowledge in the practice of orthodontics, as well to have received a dedicated training in the use of the software. | Same as predicate and reference devices.The subject device is inclusive of sequential aligners, retainers, IDB trays, brackets, wire, and dental casts, all of which are also included for the predicate and/or reference devices. |
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| Device Name / 510(k) | SureSmile Software | ArchForm Orthodontic Software System (K213916) | 3Shape Ortho System (K171634) | Spark™ Clear Aligner System (K203737) | Substantial Equivalence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device | Reference Device 1 | Reference Device 2 | |
| Supported Anatomic Areas | Maxilla, Mandible | Maxilla, Mandible | Maxilla, Mandible | Not Specified | Same as predicate. |
| OTC / Prescription (Rx) Device | Rx | Rx | Rx | Rx | Same as predicate. |
| Digital Lab / Technician Services | Yes | N/A | N/A | Yes | Same as reference device 2. |
| Minimum Hardware/Software Requirements | | | | | |
| CPU: | Intel Core i3 | Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 processor or equivalent | Intel Core i5 or equivalent | Not Specified | Similar to predicate. |
| RAM: | 8 GB | 4 GB | 8 GB | Not Specified | Same as reference device 1. |
| Hard Drive Space: | 128 GB | 128 GB | HDD Space: 250 GB | Not Specified | Same as predicate. |
| Resolution: | 1440x900 | 1280x720 | 1280x800 or similar | Not Specified | Similar to predicate. |
| Video Card: | NVIDIA Quadro; Intel HD Graphics 5000 | HD620 | NVIDIA GeForce or NVIDIA Quadro² | Not Specified | Similar to predicate. |
| OS: | Windows 10 professional 64 bit, Mac OS X (current) | Windows 10, Mac OS Catalina | OS: Windows 7,8 or 10; 64 bit | Not Specified | Same as predicate and reference device 1. |
| Support Images | STL, DICOM | STL | STL, DICOM, PNG, JPG, BMP, | STL, DICOM | Same as predicate and reference devices. |
| Software Feature Comparison | | | | | |
| Manages patient & case base data | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
| Collects study material | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
| Segments study material | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Specified | Same as predicate. |
| Aligns study material | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
| Measures study material | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
| Measures point selection | Yes | Not Specified | Yes | Not Specified | Same as reference device 1. |
| Analyzes study material | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
| Prepares treatment simulations and options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
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| Device Name / 510(k) | SureSmile Software | ArchForm Orthodontic Software System (K213916) | 3Shape Ortho System (K171634) | Spark™ Clear Aligner System (K203737) | Substantial Equivalence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device | Reference Device 1 | Reference Device 2 | |
| 2D Simulation | Yes | Not Specified | Yes | Not Specified | Same as reference device 1. |
| 3D Simulation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
| Orthodontic Appliance Search | Yes | Not Specified | Yes | Not Specified | Same as reference device 1. |
| Orthodontic Appliance Virtual Preparation | Yes | Not Specified | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
| Virtual Appliance Design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate and reference devices. |
| Orthodontic Appliance Export | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same as predicate. |
## 11. Conclusion
The SureSmile Software is an orthodontic treatment planning software. The SureSmile Software has the same intended use, incorporates the same fundamental technology and indications for use as the predicate ArchForm Orthodontic Software System (K213916) and the reference devices (K171634 & K203737). Based on the comparison of the indications for use, technological features, and software testing, the SureSmile Software has been shown to be appropriate for its indications for use and is substantially equivalent to the legally marketed predicate device.
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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.