A retrospective review of a limited number of adolescents with implants was conducted to compare the behavior of these implants with studies in which implants had been placed in growing animals. Growth of the facial skeleton is also reviewed. Implants placed in the growing alveolus behave like ankylosed teeth and become submerged as the surrounding bone grows. Cessation of facial growth should occur prior to implant placement in adolescents. Keywords: adolescent, ankylosis, growth, implant, submersion