Premature occlusal contacts may force the mandible into a not optimal functional intercuspal position, a so-called forced bite. When the mandible is forced laterally, it is called a lateral forced bite. A lateral forced bite is more prevalent in children than in adults. In 1983, a dissertation was published, titled ‘Mandibular movement patterns: a methodological and clinical investigation of children with a lateral forced bite’. Open-close-clench cycles had been studied in 12 children with a lateral forced bite and in a control group of 6 children by registering their mandibular movements using an opto-electronic registration technique. Only in the children with a lateral forced bite, did the mandible appear to be displaced laterally into the direction of the forced bite side both during cycle series into intercuspal position and, although to a lesser extent, when occlusal contact was eliminated using flat occlusal splints. Apparently, in children with a lateral forced bite the neuromuscular co-ordination of the temporomandibular joint is disturbed. Subsequent research projects demonstrated similar findings. Consequently, a lateral forced bite in children should be eliminated as early as possible, in order to enable normal growth and development of the stomatognathic system.