Prof. Dr. Christina Erbe

Germany

Director and Head of Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg – University of Mainz


  • 1994: Study of dentistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Gießen
  • 2003: Postgraduate training at the private practice for orthodontics Dr. H. Gerken & Dr. V. Wittler, Mönchengladbach
  • 2004: Postgraduate training at the Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center of the Justus Liebig University Gießen; Director: Prof. Dr. S. Ruf and doctoral thesis supervised by Prof. Dr. H. Pancherz
  • 2006: Orthodontist and Research Assistant at the Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center of the Justus Liebig University Gießen; Director: Prof. Dr. S. Ruf and at the Department of Prosthodontics, Director: Prof. Dr. P.Ferger
  • 2007: Orthodontist and Research Assistant at the Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg- University, Mainz; Director: Prof. Dr. Dr. H. Wehrbein
  • 2008: Senior Physician and Assistant Professor at the Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz; Director: Prof. Dr. Dr. H. Wehrbein
  • 2012: Certificate for advanced training on pain therapy in the maxillofacial region at the Academy for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the German Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • 2019: Associate Professor at the Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz; Director: Prof. Dr. Dr. H. Wehrbein
  • 2020: Habilitation
  • 2021: Since July: Director and Head of Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz


Main areas of research interests:

Orthodontic treatment of adult patients as well as interdisciplinary treatment, especially in cooperation with oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics and periodontology.

Basic research on orthodontic tooth movement, interrelation between orthodontics and periodontology, skeletal anchorage. Clinical and experimental studies dealing with modern oral hygiene strategies in patients with different orthodontic therapies.

  • Abstract

    Oral Health-related Quality of Life in a Randomised Controlled, Multi-Centre Study with Two Different Aligner Staging Protocols


    In this randomised controlled, multi-centre study, the effectiveness of two differentiated aligner staging protocols (weekly versus biweekly) was compared with regard to oral health-related quality of life. 

    Eighty-eight subjects were recruited in four centres (two university hospitals: Düsseldorf and Mainz and two specialist orthodontic practices: Cologne and Berlin) and randomly assigned to either Group A (two-week schedule) or group B (one-week schedule) with results stratified by initial status and sex. In total, 83 subjects (exclusion because of a screening error and five drop-outs) were analysed. All subjects received a set of ClearCorrect® aligners according to the assigned treatment plan. The number of aligners and the sequence of tooth movement were therefore individually adjusted and differed between the subjects. 

    The data analysis of the six-month follow-up visits is presented here for the first time. The treatment performance of the aligners is correlated with secondary endpoints such as parameters for oral health-related quality of life and subjective patient evaluation (wearing comfort, pain experience, speech impairment).

    The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based findings on the optimal staging duration of aligner treatment. The results will help to improve the efficacy and safety of treatment with aligners and ultimately patient outcomes and satisfaction.

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