## 6 Discussion
### Implications of Gender Differences for Diagnosis and Treatment
#### 6.2.3 Broader Understanding of TMDs  
These gender-specific differences in skeletal morphology also contribute to the broader understanding of TMDs. Recognizing that TMDs may manifest differently in males and females allows for more precise categorization of the disorder, which could lead to improved diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols.  
Furthermore, recent research highlights the potential link between TMDs and systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For instance, a 2023 study demonstrated a significant association between TMDs and RA, suggesting that patients with RA exhibit a higher prevalence of TMDs due to underlying systemic inflammation and joint degeneration, factors that may also influence the TMJ (applied with modification). This further emphasizes the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach that considers both local and systemic factors, especially in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA [17].  
As for age, one of the inclusion criteria was being of legal age; the average age of women, 41.5 years, was higher than that of men, 35.8 years. In both cases, it was noted that symptoms tended to manifest more frequently after the age of 35.  
It is extremely difficult to predict the appropriate evolution of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) based solely on the presence or absence of a malocclusion. From the results of our study, but also from those carried out previously [10], it was possible to infer that Class II malocclusion has a higher incidence in muscular disorders, but there is no defined link in the scientific literature with specific joint problems such as clicks, joint block, or dislocations. Therefore, Class II malocclusion seems to be associated only with muscular problems.  
Understanding the correlation between the condyle and the glenoid fossa in three dimensions can provide experts with the necessary tools to identify the onset of degenerative joint diseases or recognize already existing problems, thus facilitating more effective treatment planning [15]. Consequently, clinical interpretation, together with the accurate identification of these values, can play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment planning in various skeletal relationships.  
Many studies have highlighted that the correlation between the condyle and the fossa changes based on the shape of the face both in the sagittal and vertical sense. An examination conducted by [PERSON] and his team [16] on the volume of the condyle in individuals with different anteroposterior and vertical skeletal models revealed that subjects with a hypodivergent model have a higher condyle volume than those with a normodivergent or hyperdivergent model.  
In fact, the morphology of the TMJ varies among individuals. Several variables can influence this morphology, including functional loads; this could be due to the close relationship between form and function, which differs among subjects with different types of malocclusion [11].  
The comparisons made between our study and previous research have significant implications for the field of orthodontics and temporomandibular disorder management. The alignment of our findings with established research strengthens the evidence for individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on skeletal morphology.  
From our study, as already highlighted by a study by [PERSON], patients, both women and men and regardless of skeletal malocclusion, with hyperdivergent facial models have more advanced and higher condyles than those with normal or low FMA angles. These results could have significant implications for understanding the growth and development of the face.