Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a reconstructive procedure of alveolar ridge using membranes. This procedure is indicated when there is no sufficient bone for implantation, or in the case of optimal implant installation for esthetic or functional needs. GBR can be performed before implant placement, when there is not enough bone for initial stability of implants and less predictable outcomes (staged approach), or performed simultaneously with implantation (combined approach). GBR techniques have been used for vertical and horizontal ridge augmentations with acceptable results. This literature review discusses the background, principles of GBR, the materials used in GBR (types of membranes and bone grafts), success criteria and long term results of GBR.