Abstract
Implants have been used successfully for the rehabilitation of edentulous adults. However, their use in children is limited because of the special problems of implants relating to continuing growth and development. This, the first of two articles, provides a review of the use of osseointegrated implants in the context of facial growth, and the role of the orthodontist in the management of implant-supported prosthodontic structures. A second article will discuss the role of implants in orthodontics in providing what has been termed ‘absolute anchorage’.