A patient has been classified as having a class III malocclusion. Which feature is most likely to be present?

In a class III malocclusion, also known as a mesiocclusion, the defining characteristic is that the lower teeth are positioned more forward than the upper teeth when the jaws are closed. One of the primary features associated with this classification is a reverse overjet. This means that the lower incisors are positioned closer to the upper incisors or even ahead of them, resulting in a negative overjet measurement.

This reverse overjet is typically evident when examining the patient's occlusion and is a direct consequence of the dental and skeletal relationships present in class III malocclusion. The presence of reverse overjet is important in diagnosing and treatment planning for orthodontic interventions, as it impacts the alignment and function of the bite.

Other features such as labial crowding or proclined upper incisors can occur in various types of malocclusion, not exclusively class III, and unilateral crossbite can be present in different classifications as well. Therefore, identifying reverse overjet is critical for understanding and treating class III malocclusions effectively.