No, Due to the micro-movement of the glass abutment which will massage the mucosa and enhances the blood circulation, moreover, it’s not very powerful vacuuming system, it’s just enough to ensure the stability of the bridge.

No, on the contrary, the glass abutment causes bone regeneration by the stimulation of the osteoblastic activity as long as increasing the calcium content of the bone.

No, the glass abutment is a homogenous, smooth material that causes no mechanical irritation of the underlying tissues in addition to that is the self-cleansing mechanism

First of all, due to the tight contact between the glass abutment and the underlying mucosa, no food impaction can take place. However, accumulation of plaque is also not favorable because of the self-cleansing mechanism. homogeneity and smoothness of the material.

First of all, due to the tight contact between the glass abutment and the underlying mucosa, no food impaction can take place. However, accumulation of plaque is also not favorable because of the self-cleansing mechanism. homogeneity and smoothness of the material.

There is no specific figure, but it depends on the system’s main principle which says ; the number of missing teeth should equal the number of natural teeth abutments (preparations), for example: if the first and second molars are missing, first and second premolars should be prepared as natural teeth abutments and the glass abutment is always placed under the last posterior tooth.

It depends on accuracy of case selection and the quality of the natural teeth abutments. According to the studies, the glass abutment supported bridges lasted for 12-15 years. But generally, the prognosis is same as any conventional FPD.

The significant difference is the forces distribution. It distributes the loads all over the alveolar ridge and the units of the bridge not only on the natural teeth abutments. The forces take an arch-shape spread all over the bridge area. While the open end cantilever have all the forces concentrated on the natural teeth abutment system that is not present in conventional cantilever like bone regeneration and self-cleansing mechanisms.

Yes, with a very good esthetic as it can be covered with ceramic.

No, the vacuum system is designed for stabilizing and hygiene purposes only.

No, Because of the approximation to the interdental papilla that may end up in irritation and resorption. Moreover, the minimum number of prosthetic units to be used with the glass abutment system is four to ensure good stability.

No, it should be always the last posterior to have a good stability and to be away from the anterdental papilla. But the only exception is in the cases of supporting long span bridges.

No, because the distribution of loads is optimum to activate the bone regeneration mechanism over one glass abutment only. Otherwise the forces will be distributed over a bigger surface area and end up in bone resorption.

No, the normal balanced impression techniques and materials.

Yes, as it causes no periodontal problems and needed no surgical intervention.

Comparatively cheap

Yes

Yes

Thermo-glass plastic material (borosilicate), neutral, chemical resistance material and withstand pressure and shearing power.

By either zinc phosphate or zinc polycarboxylate but not the GIC as it has some unfavorable reactions with the glass material.

Almost all PFM, precious material, ceramics and zirconia.

The glass abutment system can be also be used in association with implants with caution. As a scientific fact, the implants are rigid inside the bone which gives no range of movement during the mastication. Natural teeth and the glass abutment have micro movement in response to mastication forces due to the soft tissue pad. So, Glass abutment/implant supported FPDs could be critical since there is a discrepancy in the forces absorption mechanism. However many cases have succeeded.