Most Class III malocclusions are characterized by a discrepancy where the lower jaw is positioned forward relative to the upper jaw. This results in a skeletal Class III pattern, involving mandibular prognathism, maxillary deficiency, or both. The primary cause of Class III malocclusion is the skeletal disharmony between the maxilla and mandible, not merely dental misalignment. Therefore, recognizing a skeletal Class III pattern is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, often necessitating orthopedic or surgical intervention to correct the jaw relationship.

Reference: Proffit, Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th Edition.