The application of autogenous bone transplants is still the gold standard for all reconstructive surgery. The wish of surgeons for alternatives to autogenous bone grafts is reflected in the development of a variety of bone graft substitutes of synthetic or biological origin. The following review article is meant to provide the reader with a critical overview of all the alternative materials. In addition, we want to point to the tremendous progress made on this subject, made possible by the joint effort of surgeons and basic researchers. The results of this collaboration show that in the near future a new gold standard for successful reconstructive surgery will emerge and replace the use of autogenous bone transplants.