Location History:
- Laguna Beach, CA (US) (1998 - 2001)
- Fountain Valley, CA (US) (2005)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1998-2005
Title: Innovations in Dental Restorative Composites by Alvin I. Kobashigawa
Introduction
Alvin I. Kobashigawa is a notable inventor based in Fountain Valley, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of dental restorative materials, holding a total of four patents. His work focuses on enhancing the performance and aesthetic qualities of dental composites.
Latest Patents
Kobashigawa's latest patents include innovations such as a prepolymerized filler in dental restorative composites. This invention features a dental composite with high filler loading and low shrinkage, which provides excellent strength and marginal integrity. By utilizing prepolymerized filler particles alongside a structural filler and a nanofiller, the composite demonstrates very low shrinkage, making it suitable for stress-bearing and cosmetic restorations. The structural filler is ground to a mean particle size of less than 0.5 μm, while the nanofiller consists of discrete particles with a mean size of less than 100 nm, enhancing the handling and mechanical characteristics of the composite.
Another significant patent is for opalescent fillers in dental restorative composites. This invention includes a resin-containing dental composite with a dispersed phase of reinforcing, translucent filler. The composite contains about 25-80% by volume of filler particles sized between 0.2 μm and 0.6 μm, resulting in a self-opalescing quality. Notably, this dental restorative composite displays opalescence without the need for opalescence-imparting pigments, giving the restoration a natural tooth appearance.
Career Highlights
Kobashigawa is currently associated with Kerr Corporation, a leading company in dental products. His work has significantly impacted the development of dental materials, particularly in improving the aesthetic and functional properties of dental composites.
Collaborations
Some of his notable coworkers include Christos Angeletakis and Minh-Dang Son Nguyen, who have collaborated with him on various projects related to dental innovations.
Conclusion
Alvin I. Kobashigawa's contributions to dental restorative composites have advanced the field significantly. His innovative patents reflect a commitment to improving dental materials, enhancing both their performance and aesthetic appeal.