Patent Publication Number: US-8523564-B2

Title: Orthodontic tooth retention system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/488,050, entitled ORTHODONTIC TOOTH RETENTION SYSTEM, filed Jun. 19, 2009, and granted Apr. 3, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,244 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/969,423, entitled ORTHODONTIC TOOTH RETENTION SYSTEM, filed on Jan. 4, 2008, and granted Dec. 21, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,610, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/689,674, filed Mar. 22, 2007, entitled ORTHODONTIC TOOTH RETENTION SYSTEM, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,946, filed May 5, 2005, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING AN ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE, now abandoned, the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to orthodontics, and, more particularly, to an orthodontic tooth retention system for delivering pairs of magnets for application to adjacent teeth to retain the teeth in a desired position. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Orthodontic appliances incorporating a variety of arrangements of mutually attracted elements, such as magnets, have been proposed. Some prior arrangements use magnets as a retaining device to retain teeth in a corrected position as a secondary function to primary tooth movement. Magnetic elements have also been used in combination with dentures for retaining the dentures in the mouth. When magnets are used as retaining devices, the magnets are placed onto teeth and the attractive force between the magnets provides a retaining force, thereby preventing the adjacent teeth from moving apart. 
     Other arrangements use magnets as corrective devices to move teeth into a corrected position. The conventional way for moving teeth in the mouth usually involves orthodontic appliances, such as braces and wires that exert a constant force on the tooth that needs to be moved. An elastic member creating the constant force must periodically be adjusted by a dentist or orthodontist. Many times dental appliances, including a retainer wire, are required across the front of the teeth to prevent excessive movement of the teeth. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides an orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient&#39;s mouth, and to a method and apparatus for delivering the system. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporary coupled on opposite sides of a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and a sloped lingual surface, and may include a magnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has the same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistant biocompatible material. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery member is substantially L-shaped, which advantageously allows an orthodontist to enter only a small portion of the patient&#39;s oral cavity to position the retainer modules on a patient&#39;s teeth, and eases the orthodontist&#39;s delivery of the retainer modules by substantially eliminating the need for the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move the patient&#39;s lips, tongue, and/or cheeks. The delivery member may also include pusher elements that contact the retainer modules for exerting a force against the modules to press same firmly against the teeth in order to enhance bonding between the modules and the teeth. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the retainer system includes a magnet carrier portion having a recess which contains an adhesive material. The magnets may be embedded in the adhesive material. Once positioned on adjacent teeth, the adhesive material is cured and the carrier is removed to reveal an envelope or shaped profile of the adhesive material. The shaped profile of the adhesive material obviates the need to post-form adhesive material around the magnets after attaching the magnets to the adjacent teeth. Furthermore, the shaped profile may include a smooth surface. The adhesive material may also be aesthetically colored to match the coloring of the adjacent teeth. The carrier may be formed of a water soluble material or may be a flexible material. 
     In another embodiment, a method and apparatus for delivering an orthodontic appliance is provided wherein pairs of mutually attracted members, e.g., magnets, are applied to adjacent teeth, thereby retaining the teeth in a desired position, for example, after the teeth have been moved to new positions by conventional orthodontic techniques. The magnets may be very small magnets which may be gold plated. Generally, the magnets are biocompatible. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the method of applying the magnets to the teeth includes placing two magnets on opposite sides of a thin metal strip, or a non-magnetic strip of material such as Mylar® material, available from DuPont Teijin Films, of Hopewell, Va. Because the magnets are attracted to each other, they will stay in place on opposite sides of the strip. An adhesive is applied to each magnet, and/or to the teeth to which the magnets will be secured. In one exemplary embodiment, primer material is applied to the adjacent teeth in the locations where the magnets are to be placed and the adhesive is applied to the magnets. The strip is then placed in the space between two adjacent teeth. The strip is then drawn forward between the adjacent teeth until the adhesive material on the magnets touches the primer material on the adjacent teeth. This allows ideal positioning of the magnets as determined by their individual magnetic fields. An ultraviolet or visible light source can be used to cure the adhesive, and retain each of the magnets in place on one of the two adjacent teeth. The strip is then removed by pulling it through the space between the adjacent teeth, thereby leaving behind the magnets secured to the adjacent teeth. The magnets will retain the adjacent teeth in their positions because of the magnetic attraction between the magnets. 
     In one form thereof, the present invention provides an orthodontic retainer system for use on teeth, including: a delivery member, including: a gripping portion extending along a gripping portion axis; and a retention portion extending along a retention portion axis, the gripping portion joined to the retention portion at an angle such that the delivery member is substantially L-shaped; and a pair of dental modules coupled to the delivery member. 
     In another form thereof, the present invention provides a dental module for use on teeth as part of an orthodontic retainer system, including: a tooth engaging surface; a bottom surface having opposing ends, wherein a distance between the opposing ends of the bottom surface defines a width of the dental module, the bottom surface forming a first angle with the tooth engaging surface; a lingual surface forming a second angle with at least one of the tooth engaging surface and the bottom surface, wherein the second angle is less then ninty degrees; and at least one chamfered edge defined between at least one of the tooth engaging surface, the bottom surface, and the lingual surface and another of the tooth engaging surface, the bottom surface, and the lingual surface. 
     In yet another form thereof, the present invention provides a method of applying a dental module to a tooth having a lingual side, including the steps of: providing a substantially L-shaped delivery member; positioning at least one dental module on the delivery member; inserting the delivery member between a pair of adjacent teeth; advancing the delivery member in an anterior direction to remove the delivery member from between the pair of adjacent teeth. 
     In a further form thereof, the present invention provides an orthodontic retainer system for use on teeth, including a pair of retainer modules, each including a cover member made of a first, biocompatible material and including an interproximal surface; a magnet received within the cover member; and a tooth-facing bonding surface; and a delivery member including a strip of material disposed between the retainer modules, the interproximal surfaces of the cover members in direct engagement with respective opposite sides of the strip with the retainer modules coupled to the strip by mutual magnetic attraction of the magnets. 
     In a further form thereof, the present invention provides a method of applying a pair of retainer modules respectively to a pair of adjacent teeth for use in aiding the retention of relative positions of the teeth, the method including the steps of: placing a pair of magnetic retainer modules on respective opposite sides a delivery member in the form of a strip of material, with interproximal surfaces of the retainer modules directly engaging the strip and the strip captured between the retainer modules by mutual magnetic attraction of the retainer modules; inserting the strip between a pair of adjacent teeth along a direction from occlusal surfaces of the teeth toward the gum tissue between the teeth to position the retainer modules adjacent respective lingual sides of the adjacent teeth; moving the strip along a lingual-facial direction to move the retainer modules toward the lingual sides of the adjacent teeth; capturing the retainer modules between a pair of pusher elements fixed to the strip and the lingual sides of the adjacent teeth; securing the retainer modules to the lingual sides of the adjacent teeth with an adhesive; and withdrawing the strip from between the adjacent teeth along a direction from the gum tissue between the teeth toward the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a delivery member of the present disclosure, further illustrating a coupled pair of mutually attracted members; 
         FIG. 2  is an occlusal view of an individual&#39;s teeth, further illustrating the several steps of the method of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an occlusal view of a portion of an individual&#39;s teeth, further illustrating an alternative embodiment orthodontic retainer system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an occlusal view of a portion of an individual&#39;s teeth, further illustrating the orthodontic retainer system of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a posterior view of the portion of an individual&#39;s teeth shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a capsule of the present disclosure, further illustrating a mutually attracted dental module encapsulated therein; 
         FIG. 7A  is a partial sectional occlusal view of an orthodontic retainer system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 7A , taken along line  7 B- 7 B of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIGS. 8-14  are partial sectional occlusal views of exemplary steps in a method of attaching a pair of magnets to a pair of adjacent teeth, wherein: 
         FIG. 8  shows the pair of magnets spaced from the pair of adjacent teeth before attachment thereto; 
         FIG. 9  shows the pair of magnets temporarily attached to the pair of adjacent teeth prior to curing the adhesive material; 
         FIG. 10  shows a curing instrument for curing the adhesive material; 
         FIG. 11  shows an instrument for dispensing water onto the system; 
         FIG. 12  shows the carrier partially dissolved; 
         FIG. 13  shows the carrier completely dissolved to reveal the adhesive material profile; 
         FIG. 14  shows the removal of an alternative carrier with a dental instrument; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a mutually attractive member according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a lingual view of the mutually attractive member of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the mutually attractive member of  FIG. 16  taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the mutually attractive member of  FIG. 17  taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a delivery member according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the delivery member of  FIG. 19  taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the delivery member of  FIG. 19 , further illustrating a pair of coupled mutually attractive members according to the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the delivery member of  FIG. 21 , further illustrating the pair of coupled mutually attractive members of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is an occlusal view of the delivery member and pair of coupled mutually attractive members of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an occlusal view of the delivery member and mutually attractive members of  FIG. 23 , further illustrating adhesive positioned on the mutually attractive members; 
         FIGS. 25-27  are partial sectional occlusal views of exemplary steps in a method of attaching the pair of mutually attractive members to a pair of adjacent teeth, wherein; 
         FIG. 25  shows the pair of mutually attractive members spaced from the pair of adjacent teeth before attachment thereto; 
         FIG. 26  shows the pair of mutually attractive members attached to the pair of adjacent teeth; 
         FIG. 27  shows the delivery member separated from the pair of mutually attractive members; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a portion of a patient&#39;s mouth, further depicting a partial perspective view of an orthodontist&#39;s hand grasping the delivery member of  FIG. 19  having a mutually attractive member according to  FIG. 15  positioned thereon; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective exploded view showing a magnet and a cover member of a retainer module of a further embodiment; 
         FIG. 30  is a front perspective view of the retainer module; 
         FIG. 31  is a rear perspective view of the retainer module; 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the retainer module; 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of the retainer module; 
         FIG. 34  is a bottom view of the retainer module; 
         FIG. 35  is a sectional view taken along line  35 - 35  of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view showing a pair of retainer modules magnetically coupled on opposite sides of a delivery member; 
         FIG. 37  is a top view of the arrangement of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a front view of the arrangement of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a top view showing the delivery member inserted between a pair of adjacent teeth, further showing movement of the delivery member and retainer modules along a generally lingual-facial direction; 
         FIG. 40  is another top view showing the capture of the retainer modules between the pusher elements of the delivery member and the lingual sides of the teeth; 
         FIG. 41  is another top view of the retainer modules secured to their adjacent teeth, with the mutually-facing interproximal surfaces of the retainer modules magnetically engaging one another to aid in retaining the relative positions of the teeth; 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a portion of a patient&#39;s mouth, depicting the initial insertion of the delivery member and retainer modules between a pair of the patient&#39;s teeth, and withdrawal of the delivery member after the retainer modules have been placed; 
         FIG. 43A  is a perspective view of a dental arch, showing a series of retainer modules placed on the first incisors, second incisors, and cuspids; 
         FIG. 43B  is a fragmentary view of a portion of  FIG. 43A ; and 
         FIG. 44  is a chart of magnetic field and attraction forces vs. the air gap or separation distance between the magnets of the retainer modules. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the exemplifications set out herein illustrate the disclosure, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides an orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient&#39;s mouth, and to a method and apparatus for delivering the system. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporary retained on a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and sloped and curved lingual surfaces, and may include a magnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has the same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistant biocompatible material. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery member is substantially L-shaped, which advantageously allows an orthodontist to enter only a small portion of the patient&#39;s oral cavity to position the retainer modules on a patient&#39;s teeth, and eases the orthodontist&#39;s delivery of the retainer modules by substantially eliminating the need for the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move the patient&#39;s lips, tongue, and/or cheeks. The delivery member may also include pusher elements that contact the retainer modules for exerting a force against the modules to press same firmly against the teeth in order to enhance bonding between the modules and the teeth. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , orthodontic retainer system  10  is shown, including strip or delivery member  12  and mutually attracted dental modules  14 . Mutually attracted dental modules  14  are releasably coupled by attractive forces to opposite sides of delivery member  12 . The phrase “mutually attracted dental modules,” for the purposes of this document, generally means two separate bodies which have a mutual attraction for each other and which are suitable for placement in the mouth for a period of time. For example, in one embodiment, each mutually attracted dental module  14  may comprise a magnet or any other suitable device capable of mutual attraction, i.e., electrostatic members. When mutually attracted dental modules  14  are magnets, they are coupled together on opposite sides of delivery member  12  via magnetic forces, with delivery member  12  captured between modules  14 . Each mutually attracted dental module  14  has a dimension D ( FIG. 1 ), such as a height or a diameter, in the range of 0.010 to 0.040 inches (0.254 mm to 1.016 mm), preferably in the range of 0.038 to 0.039 inches (0.9652 mm to 0.991 mm). In one form thereof, mutually attracted dental module  14  is in the shape of a cylinder, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Mutually attracted dental module  14  may also take different forms, including those having cross-sectional shapes such as various polygonal shapes. Each mutually attracted dental module  14  is made of a biocompatible material to allow its implantation in the mouth for a period of time. For example, each mutually attracted dental module  14  may be gold-plated, or, alternatively, could be comprised entirely of gold. In another embodiment, each mutually attracted dental module  14  comprises neodymium iron. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a quantity of adhesive  16  can be applied to an anterior face of each mutually attracted dental module  14  to facilitate securement of the same to a tooth. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , delivery member  12  is a thin, non-magnetic strip of material, such as Mylar™ material, having a thickness T which, in one embodiment, may be may be as small as 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, or 0.005 inches (0.0254 mm, 0.0508 mm, 0.0762 mm, 0.1016 mm, or 0.127 mm) or as large as approximately 0.012, 0.011, 0.010, 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, or 0.006 inches (0.3048 mm, 0.2794 mm, 0.254 mm, 0.2286 mm, 0.2032 mm, 0.1778 mm, or 0.1524 mm). Thickness T is such as to allow delivery member  12  to pass between a pair of adjacent teeth  22 , for example, teeth  22   a  and  22   b . The length of delivery member  12  can be any size to facilitate an easy access for an orthodontist for pulling delivery member  12  between a pair of adjacent teeth  22   a  and  22   b , as will be described hereinbelow. Delivery member  12  may also include scribe marks  15  which may be lettered or numbered accordingly to provide a depth gauge, thereby providing the orthodontist with an indication of the depth of delivery member  12  with respect to adjacent teeth  22 . In an alternative embodiment, delivery member  12  may be part of a continuous piece of material which has pairs of mutually attracted dental modules  14  carried thereon at various spaced distances. The orthodontist would then cut the continuous piece of material just beyond the location of mutually attracted dental modules  14  to obtain a single orthodontic retainer system  10 . Height H of delivery member  12  may range from 0 to 10 millimeters, but height H may be increased depending on the desired application. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the method of applying magnetic orthodontic retainer system  10  will be described. Mouth  20  is shown including a plurality of teeth  22   a - 22   f . In one embodiment, a pair of mutually attracted dental modules  14  are placed on opposite sides of delivery member  12 , whereby the attractive coupling between mutually attracted dental modules  14  retains them in place on delivery member  12 . Mutually attracted dental modules  14  are not bonded to delivery member  12 , rather, delivery member  12  functions to carry mutually attracted dental modules  14  to their final destination on adjacent teeth. A quantity of adhesive  16  is then placed on mutually attracted dental modules  14 , or, alternatively, adhesive  16  may be applied to mutually attracted dental modules  14  prior to placing modules  14  on opposite sides of delivery member  12 . Furthermore, primer material  18  is applied to a posterior surface of adjacent teeth  22 , i.e., teeth  22   b  and  22   c , in a location where adhesive  16  applied to mutually attracted dental modules  14  will contact the surface of teeth  22   b  and  22   c . Primer material  18  may comprise a material such as acid for etching a posterior surface of each tooth  22 . Primer material  18  may also comprise chemical etching or any type of material to facilitate bonding with adhesive  16 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 2 , delivery member  12 , with mutually attracted dental modules  14  carried thereon, is placed between a pair of adjacent teeth, for example, between teeth  22   b  and  22   c . Delivery member  12  is then pulled in the general direction of Arrow A, as shown by delivery member  12  being pulled between teeth  22   b  and  22   c . Arrow A generally indicates an anterior direction, i.e., towards the front of the mouth or from the lingual side of the teeth towards the facial side of the teeth. Delivery member  12  is pulled until the pair of mutually attracted dental modules  14  contacts the teeth, as shown, for example, by mutually attracted dental modules  14  contacting teeth  22   c  and  22   d . At this point, adhesive  16  contacts primer material  18 . Adhesive  16  is then cured to harden adhesive  16  and attach mutually attracted dental modules  14  to teeth  22   c  and  22   d . In one embodiment, an ultraviolet or visible light source (not shown) may be used to cure adhesive  16 . 
     To complete the operation, delivery member  12  is pulled further anteriorly to remove delivery member  12  from between any teeth, for example, as shown by delivery member  12  removed from between teeth  22   d  and  22   e . Once delivery member  12  has been completely removed, mutually attracted dental modules  14  remain attached to teeth  22   e  and  22   f , for example, to provide an orthodontic retainer system. Because mutually attracted dental modules  14  are not secured to delivery member  12  and are only carried thereon via the mutual attraction between mutually attracted dental modules  14 , delivery member  12  simply slides between mutually attracted dental modules  14  and the adjacent teeth to which modules  14  are attached for removal of delivery member  12  from mouth  20 . Movement of delivery member  12  after curing will not disturb dental modules  14  because the force coupling dental modules  14  to delivery member  12  is less than the force adhering dental modules  14  to the teeth. Once placed, mutually attracted dental modules  14  retain adjacent teeth without the need for other, more cumbersome orthodontic appliances. In most cases, depending on the spacing between the adjacent teeth, the mutually-facing surfaces of modules  14  will contact each other via magnetic attraction to aid in retaining the teeth in position. 
     Although the above-described embodiments describe mutually attracted dental modules  14 , the present disclosure also contemplates a method and apparatus for positioning mutually repelled dental modules (not shown). In this embodiment, mutually repelled dental modules could be positioned on adjacent teeth such that the mutually repelled dental modules repel one another to move the adjacent teeth to a corrected position. The mutually repelled dental modules could be detachably adhered to delivery member  12  with a force less than the force adhering the mutually repelled dental modules to the teeth. In one embodiment, the mutually repelled dental modules may be magnets. If the mutually repelled dental modules comprise magnets, the magnets would be oriented in a repelling, non-attractive position, for example, with the north pole of one mutually repelled dental module lined up with the north pole of the other mutually repelled dental module. In contrast and as described above, mutually attracted dental modules  14  would be positioned such that, if modules  14  were magnets, the south pole of one module  14  would line up with the north pole of another module  14 , such as to provide an attractive force between the two modules  14 . Mutually repelled dental modules could be delivered and positioned on adjacent teeth in the mouth in a substantially identical manner as described above for modules  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in an alternative embodiment, orthodontic retainer system  10 ′ is shown, including strip or delivery member  12  and mutually attracted dental modules  14  encapsulated within capsules  24 . Capsules  24  may be formed of metal, ceramic, composite, or any other suitable biocompatible material. In an exemplary embodiment, capsule  24  should not include any sharp edges or irritating features such as features which possibly could cause harm to the tongue or other portions of the mouth. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , capsule  24  may include surface  25  which facilitates the application of adhesive  16  to capsule  24 . Surface  25  may be a grid, mesh, or series of geometric undercuts in capsule  24  to provide an abrasive surface to which adhesive  16  is applied. Capsule  24  may include beveled edge  27  and beveled edge  28 . Beveled edges  27  and  28  are provided to facilitate flossing of adjacent teeth  22  after capsules  24  are delivered. Beveled edges  27  and  28  are oriented such that a V-shaped groove is provided on both an upper portion and a lower portion of adjacent capsules  24 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Beveled edges  27  and  28  are also designed such that a V-shaped groove is provided on both an anterior portion and a posterior portion of adjacent capsules  24 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , mutually attracted dental modules  14  are used in a substantially identical way as described above wherein mutually attracted dental modules  14  are releasably coupled by attractive forces to opposite sides of delivery member  12 . 
     The method of applying magnetic orthodontic retainer system  10 ′ is substantially identical to the method described above for applying magnetic orthodontic retainer system  10 . Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the mutual attraction of mutually attracted dental modules  14  retain both capsule  24  and module  14  in place on delivery member  12 . Capsules  24  are not bonded to delivery member  12 , rather, capsules  24  are held in place via the mutual attraction of mutually attracted dental modules  14  contained therein. A quantity of adhesive  16  is then placed on capsule  24  on surface  25 , or, alternatively, adhesive  16  may be applied to capsule  24  prior to placing capsules  24  and modules  14  on opposite sides of delivery member  12 . Furthermore, primer material  18  is applied to a posterior surface of adjacent teeth  22 , i.e., teeth  22   b  and  22   c , in a location where adhesive  16  applied to capsules  24  will contact the surface of teeth  22   b  and  22   c . Primer material  18  may comprise a material such as acid for etching a posterior surface of each tooth  22 . Primer material  18  may also comprise chemical etching or any type of material to facilitate bonding with adhesive  16 . 
     Similar to the method described above, delivery member  12 , with mutually attracted dental modules  14  and capsules  24  carried thereon, is placed between a pair of adjacent teeth, for example, between teeth  22   b  and  22   c . Delivery member  12  is then pulled in the general direction of Arrow A, as shown by delivery member  12  being pulled between teeth  22   b  and  22   c . Delivery member  12  is pulled until the pair of capsules  24  contacts adjacent teeth. At this point, adhesive  16  contacts primer material  18 . Adhesive  16  is then cured to harden adhesive  16  and attach capsules  24  to teeth  22 . In one embodiment, an ultraviolet or visible light source (not shown) may be used to cure adhesive  16 . 
     To complete the operation, delivery member  12  is pulled further anteriorly to remove delivery member  12  from between any teeth, for example, as shown by delivery member  12  removed from between teeth  22   e  and  22   f . Once delivery member  12  has been completely removed, capsules  24 , with mutually attracted dental modules  14  retained therein, remain attached to teeth  22   e  and  22   f , for example, to provide an orthodontic retainer. Because capsules  24  are not secured to delivery member  12  and are only carried thereon via the mutual attraction between mutually attracted dental modules  14 , delivery member  12  simply slides between capsules  24  and the adjacent teeth to which capsules  24  are attached for removal of delivery member  12  from mouth  20 . Movement of delivery member  12  after curing will not disturb capsules  24  because the force coupling capsules  24  to delivery member  12  is less than the force adhering capsules  24  to the teeth. Once placed, mutually attracted dental modules  14  within capsules  24  retain adjacent teeth without the need for other, more cumbersome orthodontic appliances. 
     Orthodontic retainer system (not shown) may include capsules made of mutually attractive material. In one embodiment, the capsules may be formed as a single entity with no separate mutually attracted dental module contained therein. The capsules could be formed through an injection molding process wherein the entire capsule would be formed into a mutually attracted dental body, for example, a magnet. In one embodiment, the capsule may be entirely formed of magnetic material. 
     Although orthodontic retainer systems  10  and  10 ′ have only been shown as being applied to adjacent anterior teeth in the lower portion of the mouth, the systems may also be applied to any adjacent teeth located anywhere in the mouth. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), orthodontic retainer systems  10  and  10 ′ may be applied in any position on adjacent teeth as opposed to a lingual position as described hereinabove. 
     The method of application for orthodontic retainer systems  10  and  10 ′ described above may also be used in an alternative, indirect application. In an alternative embodiment, orthodontic retainer system  10  or  10 ′ is applied to an identical, non-human version of mouth  20 , for example, a formed mold of mouth  20  including teeth  22 . Orthodontic retainer system  10  or  10 ′ is applied to the formed mold of teeth  22  in an identical fashion as described above. After application to the mold, an orthodontist could use any indirect technique commonly known by the dental profession to simultaneously remove all capsules  24  and/or modules  14  and simultaneously apply all capsules  24  and/or modules  14  in the corresponding patient&#39;s mouth  20 . All capsules  24  and/or modules  14  may be included in a delivery tray or elastic material having the capability to simultaneously move all capsules  24  and/or modules  14  from the mold to mouth  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , orthodontic retainer system  40  according to another embodiment is shown and may generally include delivery member  42  with handle  43 , magnets  44 , adhesive  46 , and carrier  48 . Magnets  44  are releasably coupled by their attractive magnetic forces to opposite sides of delivery member  42 . Each magnet  44  may have a first dimension ( FIG. 7A ), such as a diameter, which may be as small as approximately 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, or 0.045 inches (0.635 mm, 0.762 mm, 0.889 mm, 1.016 mm, or 1.143 mm) or as large as approximately 0.065, 0.060, 0.055, or 0.050 inches (1.651 mm, 1.524 mm, 1.397 mm, or 1.27 mm), for example. In one form thereof, magnet  44  may be in the shape of a cylinder. Magnet  44  may have a second dimension D 2  ( FIG. 7B ), which may be as small as approximately 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, or 0.045 inches (0.635 mm, 0.762 mm, 0.889 mm, 1.016 mm, or 1.143 mm) or as large as approximately 0.065, 0.060, 0.055, or 0.050 inches (1.651 mm, 1.524 mm, 1.397 mm, or 1.27 mm), for example. Magnet  44  may also take different shapes or forms, including cross-sectional shapes such as various polygonal shapes. Each magnet  44  may be formed of a biocompatible material to allow its implantation in the mouth for a period of time. For example, each magnet  44  may be formed either partially or completely of gold or neodymium iron and, in one embodiment is a neodymium iron magnet having a gold coating. 
     Delivery member  42  may be substantially similar to delivery members  12 ,  112  described above, except as described below. For example, delivery member  42  may be a thin, non-magnetic strip of material, such as Mylar® material, having a thickness T which, in one embodiment, may be as small as 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, or 0.005 inches (0.0254 mm, 0.0508 mm, 0.0762 mm, 0.1016 mm, or 0.127 mm) or as large as approximately 0.012, 0.011, 0.010, 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, or 0.006 inches (0.3048 mm, 0.2794 mm, 0.254 mm, 0.2286 mm, 0.2032 mm, 0.1778 mm, or 0.1524 mm), for example. Thickness T is such as to allow delivery member  42  to pass between a pair of adjacent teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Delivery member  42  may also be formed of a flexible plastic material, such as Mylar® material, for example, or, alternatively, a metal material, such as stainless steel, for example. In one embodiment, delivery member  42  includes a release coating, for example, a silicone, polyethylene, or fluoropolymer coating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is commercially available as Teflon® from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del.; Silicon Premium, a siloxane release coating commercially available from General Electric Company of Waterford, N.Y.; and Clearsil® fluorosilicone release films and ClearLES™ silicone release liners commercially available from CPFilms, Inc. of Martinsville, Va. The length of delivery member  42  can be any size to facilitate an easy access for an orthodontist for pulling delivery member  42  between a pair of adjacent teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Delivery member  42  may include handle  43  to facilitate movement of delivery member  42 . 
     Adhesive  46  may be substantially similar to adhesive  16 , described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , except as described below. Magnets  44  may be at least partially encapsulated within, or enveloped by, adhesive  46 . Adhesive  46  may be any adhesive suitable for a dental application, such as OptiBond®, available from Kerr Corporation of Orange, Calif.; Adper™ and Scotchbond™ adhesives available from 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minn.; or Xeno® Light Cured Dental Adhesive available from DENTSPLY of York, Pa. 
     Carrier  48  may include recess  49  defining inner surface  51 . Inner surface  51  conforms around magnet  44  and adhesive  46  and, after carrier  48  is removed in the manner described below, defines surface  47  of adhesive  46 , which is an envelope or profile of adhesive surrounding magnets  44 . Adhesive  46  at least partially surrounds magnets  44  within recess  49 . Inner surface  51  may be formed with a generally smooth surface with no protrusions or other edges such that the profile of adhesive  46  thereby created also includes only a smooth surface with no protruding edges for patient comfort after removal of carrier  48  therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, carrier  48  is formed of a water soluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or other water soluble polymer, for example. Carrier  48  may be formed of a material which does not bond with adhesive  46  and which may be removed from adhesive  46  after curing of adhesive  46 . 
     In operation and referring to  FIG. 8 , the method of using magnetic orthodontic retainer system  40  will be described. To begin, recess  49  of carrier  48  is at least partially filled with adhesive  46 . Adhesive  46  may be in the form of a viscous liquid at this stage and magnets  44  are at least partially embedded therein. Adhesive  46  fills recess  49  such that surface  47  of adhesive  46  substantially matches inner surface  51  of recess  49 . At this point, adhesive  46  may optionally be partially cured, or pre-cured, with a suitable curing instrument, such as those described below, such that adhesive  46  is a highly viscous or substantially solid material, i.e., in a non-liquid state, to facilitate delivery to teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Magnets  44 , along with adhesive  46  and carrier  48 , are releasably coupled by attractive forces to opposite sides of delivery member  42 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . Magnets  44 , adhesive  46 , and carrier  48  are not bonded to delivery member  42 , rather, delivery member  42  functions to carry magnets  44  to their final destination on adjacent teeth. A release coating on delivery member  42 , as described above, may further reduce the possibility of adhesive  46  or carrier  48  bonding to delivery member  42 . A quantity of primer material (not shown), similar to primer material  18 , described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , may be applied to a lingual surface of adjacent teeth  50   a ,  50   b  in a location where adhesive  46  will contact the lingual surface of teeth  50   a ,  50   b.    
     Delivery member  42 , with magnets  44  carried thereon, is placed between a pair of adjacent teeth, for example, between teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Delivery member  42  is then pulled via handle  43 , for example, in the general direction of Arrow B ( FIG. 8 ), as shown by delivery member  42  being pulled between teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Arrow B generally indicates a direction away from the lingual side of the teeth and toward the facial side of the teeth. Delivery member  42  is pulled until adhesive  46  and/or magnets  44  contact the lingual surfaces of teeth  50   a ,  50   b , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , adhesive  46  is then fully cured to completely harden adhesive  46  and thereby attach magnets  44  to teeth  50   a ,  50   b . In one embodiment, curing instrument  52  may be used to cure adhesive  46  using curing rays  54 . In an exemplary embodiment, curing rays  54  are light rays and curing instrument  52  is a light-based curing instrument. In one embodiment, the light rays are ultraviolet (UV) rays and the light-based curing instrument is a UV-based curing instrument. Examples of light-based curing instruments include the SmartLite®PS LED Curing Light and the Spectrum® 800 Curing Unit with Intensity Control, both available from DENTSPLY of York, Pa. Curing of adhesive  46  solidifies adhesive  46  and securely attaches adhesive  46  and magnets  44  to each of teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Curing of adhesive  46  within recess  49  of carrier  48  ensures that adhesive  46  has a profile substantially matching inner surface  51  of recess  49 . The profile of adhesive  46  advantageously has no edges or protrusions and provides a smooth and non-irritating lingual surface  47 , as described further below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , carrier  48  may be removed from adhesive  46  to reveal surface  47  which has a substantially smooth profile. Carrier  48  shown in  FIG. 11  may be formed of a water soluble material, such as a water soluble polymer, i.e., polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH), for example. Water source  56  may supply an amount of water  58  or other water-based solution onto carrier  48 . Water source  56  may be any suitable water supply instrument, such as the Waterpik® Dental Water Jet, available from Waterpik Technologies, Inc. of Newport Beach, Calif.; and the Interplak® Dental Water jet, available from Conair of Stamford, Conn., for example. Because carrier  48  is formed of a water-soluble material, application of water  58  dissolves carrier  48 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , carrier  48  is partially dissolved. In one embodiment, suction may be applied adjacent water source  56  to remove water  58  and portions of carrier  48  which are dissolved. Carrier  48  may be formed of a material that is not harmful if swallowed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , further application of water  58  substantially and completely dissolves carrier  48  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) such that adhesive  46  and magnets  44  are the only portion of system  40  to remain. Dissolving carrier  48  reveals a smooth lingual surface  47  of adhesive  46  defining a smooth profile of adhesive  46  which is completely cured to secure magnets  44  to teeth  50   a ,  50   b . In an exemplary embodiment, lingual surface  47  of adhesive  46  is a substantially smooth surface with no sharp edges or projections. Such a smooth surface facilitates comfort for the patient. Advantageously, adhesive  46  requires no post-curing formation, such as by removing and/or manually forming adhesive  46  around magnets  44  to obtain a desired profile of adhesive  46 , thereby greatly reducing the time needed for an orthodontist to apply magnets to a patient&#39;s dentition. For example, if the orthodontist has a large number of magnets to apply, system  40  greatly reduces the time required for such a procedure. The present method eliminates such post-curing formation and provides a fully cured and shaped profile for adhesive  46  which is both comfortable for a user of system  40  and is aesthetically pleasing. The shaped profile of adhesive  46  advantageously provides a comfortable retainer system for the patient and blends into the surrounding teeth proximate teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Furthermore, adhesive  46  may be colored such that, when fully cured, adhesive  46  is substantially the same color as teeth  50   a ,  50   b  to which adhesive  46  is secured. 
     To complete the operation, delivery member  42  may be pulled and/or otherwise removed from between teeth  50   a ,  50   b . Once delivery member  42  has been completely removed, magnets  44  with adhesive  46  remain attached to teeth  50   a ,  50   b , for example, to provide an orthodontic retainer system, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Because magnets  44  and adhesive  46  are not secured to delivery member  42  and are only carried thereon via the mutual attraction between magnets  44 , delivery member  42  simply slides between magnets  44  and adhesive  46  and the adjacent teeth to which adhesive  46  and magnets  44  are attached for removal of delivery member  42  from the mouth of the patient. Movement of delivery member  42  after curing of adhesive  46  will not disturb adhesive  46  and magnets  44  because the force coupling magnets  44  and adhesive  46  to delivery member  42  is less than the force adhering adhesive  46  and magnets  44  to the teeth. Once fixed in position, magnets  44  retain adjacent teeth without the need for other, more cumbersome orthodontic appliances. Although described above as removing delivery member  42  after removal of carrier  48 , practice of the present method may alternatively involve removal of delivery member  42  first, followed by removal of carrier  48 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , an alternative embodiment retainer system  40 ′ is shown and generally includes delivery member  42  with handle  43 , magnets  44 , adhesive  46 , and carrier  60 . Carrier  60  may be formed of a flexible material which does not bond with adhesive  46  and which may be removed from adhesive  46  after curing of adhesive  46 . In an exemplary embodiment, carrier  60  is formed of a flexible silicone-based material which may be peeled off adhesive  46  using scaler  64  or another suitable dental instrument  62 . Scaler  64  may pierce carrier  60  after which carrier  60  is peeled or pulled away from adhesive  46  to reveal the substantially smooth envelope or profile of adhesive  46 , as described above. Alternatively, carrier  60  may be removed via any other instrument or by hand. For example, dental instrument  62  may include forceps which are used to grasp a portion of carrier  60  and remove carrier  60  to reveal the profile of adhesive  46 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , orthodontic retainer system  110  is shown, including strip or delivery member  112  and mutually attracted dental modules  114 . While described and depicted herein with specific references to dental modules  114 , delivery member  112  may also be used in conjunction with other dental modules described herein, such as dental modules  14  described above. Similarly, while described and depicted herein with specific references to delivery member  112 , dental modules  114  may also be used in conjunction with other delivery members described herein, such as delivery member  12  described above. Mutually attracted dental modules  114  are releasably coupled by attractive forces to opposite sides of delivery member  112 . For example, in one embodiment, each mutually attracted dental module  114  may comprise a magnet or any other suitable device capable of mutual attraction, i.e., electrostatic members. When mutually attracted dental modules  114  are magnets, they are coupled together on delivery member  112  via magnetic forces. Each mutually attracted dental module  114  has a dimension D 3  ( FIG. 18 ), such as a height, which may be as small as 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, or 0.025 inches (0.254 mm, 0.381 mm, 0.508 mm, or 0.635 mm) or as large as 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, or 0.045 inches (0.762 mm, 0.889 mm, 1.016 mm, or 1.143 mm), for example. In one exemplary embodiment, dimension D 3  is 0.040 inches (1.016 mm). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-18 , in one exemplary embodiment, mutually attracted dental module  114  has a substantially polygonal or trapezoidal shape in cross-section taken along a direction perpendicular to tooth engaging surface  113 , as best shown in  FIG. 17 . Specifically, tooth engaging surface  113 , lingual surface  115 , and bottom surface  117  are substantially planar surfaces. Curved top surface  119 , in conjunction with rounded and/or chamfered corners  121 , joins each of tooth engaging surface  113 , lingual surface  115 , and bottom surface  117  to one another. Additionally, dental module  114  has a width W ( FIG. 18 ) that corresponds to the distance between opposing ends of bottom surface  117 . Similarly, the radius of curvature of top surface  119  corresponds to the width of dental module  114  and extends between the opposing ends of bottom surface  117 . In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature of top surface  119  is 0.040 inches (1.016 mm). However, the radius of curvature of top surface  119  may be as small as 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, or 0.035 inches (0.508 mm, 0.635 mm, 0.762 mm, 0.889 mm) or as large as 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, or 0.055 inches (1.016 mm, 1.143 mm, 1.27 mm, or 1.397 mm), for example. In one exemplary embodiment, lingual surface  115  forms an angle α with the apex of top surface  119 . In one exemplary embodiment, angle α is approximately 45 degrees. However, angle α may be as small as 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 degrees or as large as 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 degrees, for example. Advantageously, by angling lingual surface  115  and utilizing rounded corners  121 , the comfort of the patient is facilitated, and the patient may floss between adjacent teeth on which dental modules  114  are attached without cutting the floss. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, tooth engaging surface  113  is modified to facilitate the retention of an adhesive thereon. For example, tooth engaging surface  113  may include a grid, mesh, or series of geometric undercuts to provide an abrasive surface to which adhesive  16 ,  46  ( FIG. 24 ) is applied. In another exemplary embodiment, tooth engaging surface  113  may be roughened, or may include a coating formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Each mutually attracted dental module  114  is made of a biocompatible material to allow its implantation in the mouth for a period of time. For example, referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in one exemplary embodiment, each mutually attracted dental module  114  has an outer coating  123 , such as gold-plating, substantially entirely surrounding inner magnet  129 . In one exemplary embodiment, inner magnet  129  is comprised of a permanent magnet, such as a rare-earth magnet. In one exemplary embodiment, inner magnet  129  is a neodymium-iron-boron magnet. In another exemplary embodiment, module  114  lacks outer coating  123 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , delivery member  112  may be substantially similar to delivery member  12 , described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , except as described below. For example, delivery member  112  may also be formed of a flexible plastic material, such as Mylar® material, for example, or, alternatively, a metal material, such as stainless steel, for example. In one embodiment, delivery member  112  includes core  130 , formed from a material described above, and release coating  132  substantially surrounding core  130 . For example, release coating  132  may be a silicone, polyethylene, or fluoropolymer coating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is commercially available as Teflon® from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del.; Silicon Premium, a siloxane release coating commercially available from General Electric Company of Waterford, N.Y.; and Clearsil® fluorosilicone release films and ClearLES™ silicone release liners commercially available from CPFilms, Inc. of Martinsville, Va. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 19-21 , delivery member  112  has a substantially L-shape including gripping portion  131  and retention portion  133 . Longitudinal gripping portion axis GPA intersects longitudinal retention portion axis RPA to form the substantially L-shape, wherein the intersection of longitudinal gripping portion axis GPA and longitudinal retention portion axis RPA results in the formation of angle β. In one exemplary embodiment, angle β is equal to 90 degrees or is any acute angle greater than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees. As shown in  FIG. 19 , in one exemplary embodiment, angle β is 80 degrees. Additionally, to facilitate patient comfort during the delivery of dental modules  114 , gripping portion  131  and retention portion  133  have rounded and/or chamfered corners  135 . In one exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIG. 20 , periphery  137  of delivery member  112  also has a bulbous or rounded shape to further facilitate patient comfort during the delivery of dental modules  114 . Gripping portion  131  may also include a grid, mesh, or series of geometric undercuts  139 , shown in  FIG. 19 , to provide an abrasive surface upon which a orthodontist may grasp either directly by hand or indirectly through the use of dental instruments. 
     Delivery member  112  has a height H 2  that may be a small as 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 or 0.40 inches (6.35 mm, 7.62 mm, 8.89 mm, 10.16 mm) or as large as 0.45, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 inches (11.43 mm, 12.7 mm, 19.05 mm, or 25.4 mm), for example. The length of delivery member  112  can be any size to facilitate easy access for an orthodontist for pulling delivery member  112  between a pair of adjacent teeth  20   a  and  20   b , as described in detail below. In exemplary embodiments, delivery member  112  may have a length L as small as 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 or 0.40 inches (6.35 mm, 7.62 mm, 8.89 mm, 10.16 mm) or as large as 0.45, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 inches (11.43 mm, 12.7 mm, 19.05 mm, or 25.4 mm), for example. Additionally, retention portion  133  of delivery member  112  has a height H 3 . In exemplary embodiments, height H 3  of retention member  133  is as small as 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 or 0.25 inches (2.54 mm, 3.81 mm, 5.08 mm, or 6.35 mm) or as large as 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, or 0.45 inches (7.62 mm, 8.89 mm, 10.16 mm, or 11.43 mm), for example. In an alternative embodiment, delivery member  112  may be part of a continuous piece of material which has pairs of mutually attracted dental modules  114  carried thereon at various spaced distances and may operate in the same manner as described in detail above with reference to delivery member  12 . Further, delivery member  112  may also include scribe marks  116 , shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , which may be lettered or numbered accordingly to provide a depth gauge, thereby providing the orthodontist with an indication of the depth of delivery member  112  with respect to adjacent teeth  22 . 
     Except as described below, the method of applying magnetic orthodontic retainer system  110  is similar to the method described above for applying magnetic orthodontic retainer systems  10 ,  10 ″. Referring now to  FIGS. 22-27 , the mutual attraction of mutually attracted dental modules  114  retains both modules  114  in place on delivery member  112 . A quantity of adhesive  16 ,  46 , described in detail above, is then placed on tooth engaging surface  113  of dental modules  114 . In another exemplary embodiment, adhesive  16 ,  46  may be placed on dental modules  114  prior to retaining dental modules  114  on delivery member  112 . Alternatively, adhesive  16 ,  46  may be applied directly to adjacent teeth, such as teeth  22 , i.e., teeth  22   a  and  22   b . Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, primer material  18  ( FIG. 3 ) is applied to a posterior surface of adjacent teeth  22 , i.e., teeth  22   a  and  22   b , in a location where adhesive  16 ,  46  applied to dental modules  114  will contact the surface of teeth  22   a  and  22   b . Primer material  18  may comprise a material such as acid for etching a posterior surface of each tooth  22 . Primer material  18  may also comprise chemical etching or any type of material to facilitate bonding with adhesive  16 ,  46 . 
     Similar to the method described above, delivery member  112 , with mutually attracted dental modules  114  carried thereon, is placed between a pair of adjacent teeth, for example, between teeth  22   a  and  22   b . Referring to  FIG. 28 , in one exemplary embodiment, the orthodontist grasps gripping portion  131 , either directly by hand or indirectly with an orthodontic instrument, and positions retention portion  133  between teeth  22   a  and  22   b , while the orthodontist&#39;s fingers and/or the instrument remain substantially outside the oral cavity and more specifically, outwardly of occlusal plane OP defined by the occlusal surfaces of teeth  22   a  and  22   b . Stated another way, the orthodontist&#39;s fingers and/or the instrument remain on a side of occlusal plane OP disposed opposite the teeth. Specifically, referring to  FIG. 28 , the orthodontist moves delivery member  112  inwardly into the patient&#39;s oral cavity and then downwardly between teeth  22   a  and  22   b , as shown by Arrow C. Delivery member  112  is then pulled outwardly or facially in the general direction of Arrow D, resulting in delivery member  112  being pulled between teeth  22   a  and  22   b . During movement of delivery member  112 , the orthodontist&#39;s fingers and/or instrument remain substantially outside the patient&#39;s oral cavity and outwardly of occlusal plane OP of teeth  22   a  and  22   b , as described above. Delivery member  112  is pulled until tooth engaging surfaces  113  of dental modules  114  contact adjacent teeth. At this point, adhesive  16 ,  46  contacts primer material  18 . Adhesive  16 ,  48  may then be cured to harden adhesive  16 ,  46  and attach dental modules  114  to teeth  22 . In one embodiment, an ultraviolet or visible light source, such as those described in detail above with reference to adhesive  46 , may be used to cure adhesive  16 ,  46 . 
     To complete the operation, delivery member  112  is pulled further outwardly or facially to remove delivery member  112  from between teeth  22   a  and  22   b . Due to the substantially L-shape of delivery member  112 , the need for the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move and/or grasp the patient&#39;s lip, tongue, and/or cheek to facilitate removal of delivery member  112  is substantially eliminated. Once delivery member  112  has been completely removed, mutually attracted dental modules  114  remain attached to teeth  22   a  and  22   b  to provide an orthodontic retainer and, in most cases, the mutually-facing surfaces of modules  114  engage each other to aid in retaining the positions of the teeth. 
     Because modules  114  are not secured to delivery member  112  and are only carried thereon via the mutual attraction between mutually attracted dental modules  114 , delivery member  112  simply slides between the adjacent teeth for removal of delivery member  112  from mouth  20  ( FIG. 2 ). Movement of delivery member  112  after curing will not disturb dental modules  114  because the force coupling dental modules  114  to delivery member  112  is less than the force adhering dental modules  114  and adhesive  16 ,  46  to the teeth. Once placed, mutually attracted dental modules  114  retain adjacent teeth without the need for other, more cumbersome orthodontic appliances. In another exemplary embodiment, orthodontic retainer system (not shown) may include capsules  24  or the capsules made of mutually attractive material, as described in detail herein. 
     Although orthodontic retainer systems  110  have been shown and illustrated herein as being applied to adjacent teeth in the lower portion of the mouth, i.e., to teeth in the mandibular arch, the systems may of course be applied to adjacent teeth in the upper portion of the mouth, i.e., to teeth in the maxillar arch, by simply inverting delivery member  112  and dental modules  114 . Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), orthodontic retainer systems  110  may be applied in any position on adjacent teeth as opposed to the lingual position as described and illustrated herein. 
     The method of application for orthodontic retainer systems  110  described above may also be used in an alternative, indirect application. In an alternative embodiment, orthodontic retainer system  110  is applied to an identical, non-human version of mouth  20 , for example, a formed mold of mouth  20  including teeth  22 . Orthodontic retainer system  110  is applied to the formed mold of teeth  22  in an identical fashion as described above. After application to the mold, an orthodontist could use any indirect technique commonly known by the dental profession to simultaneously remove all capsules  24  and/or modules  14 ,  114  and simultaneously apply all capsules  24  and/or modules  14 ,  114  in the corresponding patient&#39;s mouth  20 . All capsules  24  and/or modules  14 ,  114  may be included in a delivery tray or elastic material having the capability to simultaneously move all capsules  24  and/or modules  14 ,  114  from the mold to mouth  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 29-44 , further concepts in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention are shown, including a dental or retainer module  210 , shown in  FIGS. 29-35 , and a delivery member  212 , shown in  FIGS. 36-40 , together with a method of applying retainer modules  210  to a pair of adjacent teeth using delivery member  212 , as shown in  FIGS. 36-43B . 
     Referring to  FIG. 29 , retainer module  210  generally includes a magnet  214  and an enclosure or cover member  216 . Magnet  214  has a shape very similar to that of dental module  114  shown in  FIGS. 15-18  and described above, including a generally trapezoidal profile with a planar tooth-facing bonding surface  218 , shown as substantially rectangular. Magnet  214  further includes a planar interproximal surface  220  having a semicircular shape, a planar lingual surface  222  disposed at an angle with respect to tooth-facing surface  218  and interproximal surface  220 , and a curved or arched lingual surface  224  that curves around the semicircular profile of interproximal surface  220  and connects bonding surface  218 , interproximal surface  220 , and planar lingual surface  222 . 
     Magnet  214  may be a permanent magnet made from any magnetic material, such as a magnet made from an alloy of a rare earth element. For example, magnet  214  may be a neodymium magnet, i.e., made from a neodymium/iron/boron alloy, or may be made from other alloys of rare earth elements, such as a samarium-cobalt magnet, for example. Magnet  214  may have an exterior coating  225  ( FIG. 35 ) of a biocompatible metal, such as gold, titanium, or tantalum, for example, that may be applied via a process such as immersion coating, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, or sputtering/vacuum deposition. Coating  225  may have a thickness of between 0.0002 inches and 0.0005 inches (between 0.0051 mm and 0.0127 mm), for example. In one embodiment, magnet  214  is a neodymium/iron/boron magnet having a gold coating  225  applied as two successive layers via electroplating. Coating  225  completely covers magnet  214 , and prevents exposure of the material of the permanent magnet to the oral cavity of a patient. 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 30-34 , cover member  216  is shown in detail and in one embodiment, has a shape analogous to that of magnet  214 , including a rim  226  defining an open end  228  of cover member  216  having a rectangular shape corresponding to, and sized slightly greater than, bonding surface  218  of magnet  214 . Open end  228  provides access to the open interior  229  of cover member  216 . Cover member  216  additionally includes an interproximal surface  230 , a planar lingual surface  232 , and a curved lingual surface  234  that are each sized slightly greater than, and which correspond to, interproximal surface  220 , planar lingual surface  222 , and curved lingual surface  224  of magnet  214 , respectively. Curved or radiused edges  231  connect the foregoing surfaces. In one embodiment, the walls of cover member  216  that correspond to each of the foregoing surfaces have a thickness of 0.0048 inches (0.122 mm). 
     Cover member  216  may be made of a relatively hard, wear resistant biocompatible metal, such as stainless steel, and provides an enclosure for magnet  214  for sealing magnet from the oral cavity of a patient. Cover member  216  also protects magnet  214  from wear, yet allows passage of the magnetic field forces of magnet  214  through cover member  216 . In one embodiment, cover member  216  is made from a substantially non-magnetic stainless steel, such as a 300 series stainless steel. 
     Exemplary dimensions for cover member  216 , which are also the overall dimensions of retainer module  210 , are set forth below. These dimensions also generally correspond to those of magnet  214  in that the dimensions of cover member  216  will be only slightly greater than the dimensions of the corresponding surfaces of magnet  214  which, in one embodiment, may be sized to fit closely within cover member  216  as described below. Referring to  FIGS. 32 and 34 , rim  226  of cover member  216  is disposed around bonding surface  218  of magnet  214 , and has a planar profile with a long dimension D 1  which, in one embodiment, is 0.080 inches (2.032 mm) and, in other embodiments, may be as little as 0.040 inches or 0.060 inches (1.016 mm or 1.524 mm), or as great as 0.10 inches or 0.120 inches (2.54 mm or 3.048 mm), for example. Rim  226  also has a short dimension D 2  which, in one embodiment, is 0.060 inches (1.524 mm) and, in other embodiments, may be as little as 0.040 inches or 0.05 inches (1.016 mm or 1.27 mm), or as great as 0.070 inches or 0.08 inches (1.778 mm or 2.032 mm), for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 34 , interproximal surface  230  is planar and semicircular shaped, and has dimension D 1  as well as a dimension D 3  corresponding to the radius of its semicircular shape and which, in one embodiment, is 0.050 inches (1.27 mm) and, in other embodiments, may be as little as 0.030 or 0.040 inches (0.762 mm or 1.016 mm) or as great as 0.060 or 0.070 inches (1.524 mm or 1.778 mm), for example. 
     Curved lingual surface  234  is curved around the semicircular shape of interproximal surface  230 , and has a dimension D 4  between the apex of its curve around planar lingual surface  232  and interproximal surface  230 , shown in  FIG. 33  and which, in one embodiment, is 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) and, in other embodiments, may be as little as 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) or as great as 0.030 inches 0.762 mm), for example. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 31 and 33 , planar lingual surface  232  is angled or sloped at an angle α with respect to either a plane defined by rim  226  and/or with respect to contact surface  222  which, in one embodiment, is 45 degrees. However, in other embodiments, angle α may be as small as 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 degrees or as large as 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 degrees, for example, with respect to either the plane defined by rim  226 , or interproximal surface  230 . Planar lingual surface  232  also has dimension D 1  where same merges with rim  226 . When a pair of retainer modules  210  are applied to their respective teeth, the sloped or angled planar lingual surface  232  and the curved lingual surface  234  of the modules are exposed to the oral cavity, and the geometric shapes of these surfaces, together with the radiused or chamfered edges  231  between these surfaces, facilitates patient comfort by providing a smooth and minimized profile to the patient&#39;s tongue which also resists retention of food particles to promote oral hygiene. 
     The edges  231  respectively disposed between rim  226 , interproximal surface  230 , planar lingual surface  232 , and curved lingual surface  234  are smoothly curved or radiused, and may have a radius of curvature between 0.004 and 0.010 inches (0.1016 mm and 0.254 mm), for example. Alternatively, edges  231  may be chamfered. 
     Referring to  FIG. 29 , to assemble retainer module  210 , an amount of a suitable adhesive  236 , such as one of those described above, is placed within the open interior  229  of cover member  216 , and magnet  214  is then inserted through open end  228  of cover member  216  with the cooperating surfaces of magnet  214  and cover member  216 , described above, aligning with one another such that magnet  214  is seated within the open interior  229  of cover member  216 . Upon seating of magnet  214  within cover member  216 , adhesive  236  will spread around magnet  214  between the external surfaces of magnet  214  and the internal surfaces of cover member  216  to form a relatively uniform layer  240  of adhesive  236 , shown in  FIG. 35 , between the external surfaces of magnet  214  and the internal surfaces of cover member  216 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 30 ,  32 , and  35 , an additional amount of adhesive  236  may be applied across open end  228  of cover member  216  to bonding surface  218  of magnet  214  generally within rim  226  of cover member  216 . As shown in  FIGS. 30 and 35 , rim  226  may be dimensioned to provide a small recess  238  within open end  228  of cover member  216  across bonding surface  218  of magnet  214 . A layer or cap  242  of adhesive  236  may be placed within recess  238  and leveled off by a suitable instrument such as a spatula (not shown) to close open end  228  of cover member  216  across the face of bonding surface  218  of magnet  214 . Only a portion of this layer or cap  242  of adhesive  236  is shown in  FIGS. 30 and 32 , it being understood that the adhesive will typically completely cover bonding surface  218  of magnet  214 . 
     Then, the adhesive  236  may be cured in suitable manner, such as by exposure to ultraviolet light, by a chemical reaction, or by heating, depending upon the type of adhesive used. The curing of the adhesive  236  of layer  240  forms a tight bond between the external surfaces of magnet  214  and the internal surfaces of cover member  216  to secure magnet  214  within cover member  216  and form a retainer module  210  as a substantially integral or unitary structure. The adhesive  236  within recess  238  across the bonding surface  218  of magnet  214  provides a layer or cap  242  of adhesive that closes the interior of cover member  216  such that magnet  214  is effectively encapsulated and sealed within cover member  216 . 
     In other embodiments, adhesive  236  is not applied within recess  238  across the bonding surface  218  of magnet  214 , or cover member  216  may lack recess  238  such that rim  226  is dimensioned to be flush with tooth-facing surface  218  of magnet, such that bonding surface  218  remains exposed to the exterior of retainer module  210 , with the remaining surfaces between magnet  214  and cover member  216  occupied by layer  240  of adhesive  236  to thereby seal magnet  214  within cover member  216  with the bonding surface  218  of magnet  214  uncovered by adhesive and directly exposed. 
     Bonding surface  218  of magnet  214  may optionally be roughened, or provided with rough or porous surface features, or a rough or porous coating, for example, in order to enhance the ability of adhesive  236  to bond thereto. By contrast, the outer surfaces of cover member  216 , described above, will typically be smooth. 
     In this manner, as best shown in  FIG. 35 , each retainer module  210  includes, when viewed in cross section, a layered structure including the material of magnet  214 , the biocompatible coating  225  of magnet, layer  240  of adhesive  236 , and cover member  216 . Advantageously, the material of magnet  214  is sealed from, and prevented from coming into contact with, the oral cavity of a patient by a double enclosure or double encapsulation structure, including coating  225  of magnet  214  and the enclosure or encapsulation provided by cover member  216  and adhesive  236 . 
     The poles of magnet  214  are oriented such that the primary direction of magnetization, i.e., its magnetic moment, is along a magnetization axis MA-MA that is disposed parallel to bonding surface  218  of magnet  214  and extends centrally through interproximal surfaces  220  and  230  of magnet  214  and cover member  216  and planar lingual surfaces  222  and  232  of magnet  214  and cover member  216 , respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 31 ,  33 , and  34 . The poles of a pair of such magnets  214  are oppositely oriented, with the force of attraction between the magnets  214  of a pair of retainer modules  210  is sufficient to hold the modules  210  tightly together with their respective planar interproximal surfaces  230  in engagement with one another, with the magnetic attraction force transmitted through coatings  225  of magnets  214  and through cover members  216 . As discussed below, when interproximal surfaces  230  of a pair of retainer modules  210  are magnetically coupled on opposite sides of delivery member  212 , the magnetization axes MA-MA of retainer modules  210  will tend to automatically rotationally and positionally align retainer modules  210  such that their tooth-facing surfaces  218  are parallel to one another. 
     Referring to  FIG. 44 , a chart showing the calculated magnetic field strength and magnetic attraction force between a pair of magnets  214  is shown as a function of the air gap, or effective separation distance, between interproximal surfaces  220  of a pair of magnets  214 . When the interproximal surfaces  230  of a pair of modules  210  are magnetically engaged in the manner discussed below, the separation distance between the interproximal surfaces  220  of their respective magnets  214  will be twice the thickness of the wall of each of the cover members  216  of module  210 . Thus, if this thickness is 0.0048 inches (0.122 mm), the air gap will be 0.0096 inches (0.244 mm) which, referring to  FIG. 44 , corresponds to a magnetic field density of about 9,000 gauss and an magnetic attraction force of about 0.060 lbs. of force (27.2 g-force, 0.27 N). Generally, the material of magnets  214 , the size of magnets  214 , and the separation between the magnets  214  when in use, i.e., the thickness of the walls of cover members  216 , are the principal variables that may be selected to provide a desired magnetic force for retaining a pair of teeth with respect to one another in the manner described below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 36 , delivery member  212  is shown, which is identical to delivery member  112  discussed above, except for the addition of pusher elements  244  thereto, which are discussed below. Identical reference numerals will be used with respect to delivery members  212  and  112  to identify identical or substantially identical features therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 36-38 , delivery member  212  in one embodiment is made of stainless steel that includes a release coating  132  of the type described above. Delivery member  212  also includes a pair of pusher elements  244  on opposite sides of the rear end of retention portion  133  thereof, which may be integrally formed with delivery member  212 , or may comprise separate components attached to delivery member  212 , such that pusher elements  244  are fixedly attached to delivery member  212 . In one embodiment, pusher elements  244  are made of a rigid plastic material that is over-molded onto the end of retention portion  133  of delivery member  212  with the material of pusher elements  244  bridging through apertures  246  in delivery member  212  to provide a secure connection between pusher elements  244  and delivery member  212 . 
     Pusher elements  244  each generally include a contact face  248  that is shaped to abuttingly contact or engage a retainer module  210  at any suitable location on retainer module such as, for example, lingual surface  232  of a retainer module  210 , for the purpose described below. In the embodiment shown herein, contact faces  248  of pusher elements  244  are sloped or angled complementary to planar lingual surfaces  232  of retainer modules  210 . 
     The application of a pair of retainer modules  210  to a pair of respective adjacent teeth T 1  and T 2  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 36-43B . Teeth T 1  and T 2  may be any pair of adjacent teeth in either the mandibular or the maxillar arch, and may be any type of teeth such as incisors, premolars, or molars, or adjacent teeth of different types. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 36-38 , a pair of retainer modules  210  are fitted, or magnetically coupled, to opposite sides of retention portion  133  of delivery member  212  with the interproximal surfaces  230  of modules  210  directly engaging opposite sides of retention portion  133 , such that delivery member  212  is captured between modules  210 . As discussed above, the mutual attraction of magnets  214  along their aligned magnetic axes MA-MA also tends to automatically rotationally and positionally align retainer modules  210  with respect to one another such that their bonding surfaces  218  are disposed parallel and co-planar to one another. In this position, rotation of one module  210  will tend to cause a corresponding rotation of the other module  210 . Also, sliding movement of one module  210  along delivery member  212  will tend to cause a corresponding sliding movement of the other module  210 . Modules  210  are rotated such that bonding surfaces  218  generally face toward the front end of delivery member  212 , i.e., away from pusher elements  244 . 
     Although retainer modules  210  are magnetically coupled on opposites sides of retention portion  133  of delivery member  212 , retainer modules  210  are still movable or slidable relative to delivery member  212  as discussed below. After retainer modules  210  are initially coupled to delivery member  212 , modules  210  may be positioned in abutment with contact faces  248  of pusher elements  244  or alternatively as shown in  FIG. 37 , may be spaced slightly away from contact faces  248  with a slight gap therebetween. 
     Advantageously, because retainer modules  210  are each slidable or movable relative to delivery member  212 , the positions of retainer modules  210  with respect to delivery member  212  and/or to each other may change when bonding surfaces  218  of retainer modules  210  contact the lingual sides of a pair of respective teeth, depending on the shape of the teeth, in order to allow the positions of the retainer modules  210  to adapt to properly fit to the teeth. In this manner, the initial relative positions of retainer modules  210  on delivery member  212  will automatically be set when same are magnetically coupled to opposite sides of delivery member  212  by the alignment of the magnetic axes MA-MA of the modules  210 . However, because each module  210  is independently movable relative to delivery member  212 , the relative positions of modules  210  with respect to each other may vary as needed when modules  210  are mounted to their respective teeth in order to properly fit modules  210  to their respective teeth. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 39-42 , modules  210  are applied to lingual sides LS of a pair of adjacent teeth T 1  and T 2  for retaining the positions of the teeth with respect to one another in a similar manner as described above with respect to  FIGS. 25-28 , except for the differences described below. As described below, teeth T 1  and T 2  are in the mandibular arch, however, it will be understood that an analogous procedure may be followed if teeth T 1  and T 2  are in the maxillar arch. Also, it should be appreciated that teeth T 1  and T 2  are shown schematically in  FIGS. 39-41  for clarity. 
     Referring to  FIG. 39 , the lingual sides LS of teeth T 1  and T 2  may be prepared for receipt of an amount of adhesive  236  in a conventional manner, in which the lingual sides of teeth T 1  and T 2  are dried and acid etched, for example. An amount of a primer (not shown) may be applied to the etched teeth for receipt of a small amount of adhesive  236  to the primer. 
     Prior to insertion of delivery member  212  and retainer modules  210  into the oral cavity, an amount of adhesive  236  may also be applied to bonding surfaces  218  of modules  210  which, as described above, may already include a layer or cap  242  of cured adhesive, or may be directly exposed. Advantageously, when bonding surfaces  218  of modules  210  includes a cap or layer  242  of adhesive  236  that has been cured, application of an additional amount of adhesive  236  thereto, followed by subsequent curing of the adhesive to both the previously cured adhesive of cap or layer  242  and also to amount of adhesive on the lingual sides LS of teeth T 1  and T 2  forms an adhesive/adhesive/adhesive bond that is particularly robust in retaining modules  210  in place on the lingual sides of teeth T 1  and T 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 39 and 42 , delivery member  212  is inserted between the pair of adjacent teeth T 1  and T 2  by the orthodontist gripping the gripping portion  131  of delivery member  212  and inserting delivery member  212  into the oral cavity of the patient along the general direction of arrow A 1  in  FIG. 42 , which is substantially parallel to the occlusal plane defined by the occlusal surfaces OS of the teeth in the arch. Once positioned within the oral cavity of the patient, delivery member is inserted between teeth T 1  and T 2  along a generally downward direction (upward if T 1  and T 2  are maxillar) along the general direction of arrow A 2  in  FIG. 42  from the occlusal surfaces OS of teeth T 1  and T 2 , and through the occlusal plane OP defined by occlusal surfaces OS toward the gum tissue. The foregoing directions depicted by arrows A 1  and A 2  in  FIG. 42  may comprise a single, continuous motion. 
     Advantageously, as may be seen from  FIG. 42 , the shape of delivery member  112 ,  212  allows gripping portion  131  of delivery member, and thus the orthodontist&#39;s fingers, to remain substantially on a side of the occlusal plane OP of teeth T 1  and T 2  that is opposite the gum tissue around teeth T 1  and T 2  throughout the procedure, such that the orthodontist does not need to significantly move, manipulate, or depress the patient&#39;s lips or cheeks to provide access for placing the delivery member  212 . 
     In this position, as shown in  FIG. 39 , a small gap will be present between the tooth-facing surfaces  218  of retainer modules  210  and the lingual sides LS of teeth T 1  and T 2 . 
     As described below, pusher elements  244  are not connected to modules  210 , but rather only abuttingly contact modules  210  for the temporary application of a force to modules  210  through movement of delivery member  212  in order to press modules  210  against the lingual sides of their respective teeth to facilitate a robust adhesive bond. 
     Delivery member  212  is then advanced in a lingual-facial direction along the arrow A 3  in  FIG. 39 , which direction is generally parallel to the occlusal plane OP ( FIG. 28 ) defined by the occlusal surfaces of teeth T 1  and T 2 . 
     As may be seen between  FIGS. 39 and 40 , if modules  210  have been previously positioned in contact with pusher elements  244 , delivery member  212 , pusher elements  244 , and modules  210  will all move together as a unit when delivery member  212  is advanced as described above to in turn advance modules  210  into respective engagement with the lingual sides LS of teeth T 1  and T 2 . 
     Alternatively, if modules  210  are initially spaced slightly away from pusher elements  244 , delivery member  212 , pusher elements  244 , and modules  210  will all move together when delivery member  212  is advanced as described above, until modules  210  engage the lingual sides LS of teeth T 1  and T 2 . Then, upon further advancement of delivery member  212 , modules  210  will remain stationary against the lingual sides LS of teeth T 1  and T 2 , with delivery member  212  and pusher elements  244  moving relative to modules  210  until pusher elements  244  engage modules  210 . 
     After either of the foregoing movements, modules  210  will be captured between pusher elements  244  and the lingual sides LS of teeth T 1  and T 2  as shown in  FIG. 40 . Thereafter, the orthodontist may exert a force by pulling on delivery member  212  in the same lingual-facial direction along arrow A 4  in  FIG. 40  to in turn apply of a slight amount of pressure to modules  210  via pusher elements  244  that will tend to force bonding surfaces  218  of modules  210  into tight engagement with the lingual sides of teeth T 1  and T 2  prior to, and during, the subsequent curing of adhesive  236  to thereby enhance the quality of the adhesive bond between modules  210  and teeth T 1  and T 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 40 , pusher elements  244  may be dimensioned such that bonding surfaces  218  of modules  210  extend outwardly from delivery member  212  a greater distance than pusher elements  244 , which tends to maximize the exposure of bonding surfaces  218  of modules  210  to their respective teeth T 1  and T 2 , and also tends to prevent adhesive  236  from flowing over the ends of modules  210  and contacting pusher elements  244 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 41 and 42 , after the adhesive  236  is cured, delivery member  212  is removed by lifting same in a generally upward direction (downward if teeth T 1  and T 2  are maxillar) in a direction generally along arrow A 2  in  FIG. 42  opposite the insertion direction described above, i.e., in a direction from the gum surface toward the occlusal surfaces of T 1  and T 2  and through occlusal plane OP. Prior to this, delivery member  212  may be moved slightly lingually to release pusher elements  244  from contact with modules  210 . Then, delivery member  212  is removed from the oral cavity of the patient along the general direction of arrow A 1  in  FIG. 42 . 
     After removal of delivery member  212 , the teeth T 1  and T 2  may move toward one another and the planar interproximal surfaces  230  of modules  210  will typically directly engage one another by their mutual magnetic attraction, as shown by arrows A 5  in  FIG. 41 , to thereby aid in retaining teeth T 1  and T 2  in their positions adjacent one another. In particular, migration of teeth T 1  and T 2  away from one another is resisted by the magnetic attraction between modules  210 , and relative lingual/facial movement of teeth T 1  and T 2  is also resisted by the magnetic engagement of modules  210  along their aligned magnetic axes MA-MA. Further, twisting or rotational movement of one tooth relative to the other is also resisted by the mutual engagement of planar interproximal surfaces  230  of modules  210 . 
     The foregoing procedure may be repeated in a manner in which modules  210  are applied to retain a series of teeth in the dental arch, with the series of teeth mutually retained in their positions by the sets of modules  210 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 43A and 43B , five sets of cooperating retainer modules  210  have been placed on the lingual sides of the first and second incisors and cuspids of a dental arch to retain these teeth in position. Advantageously, because modules  210  are freely coupled to delivery member  212 , with independent movement of modules  210  with respect to delivery member  212  allowed during placement of modules as described above, modules  210  will seek their optimal positions on the teeth when secured to their respective teeth based on the shape of the lingual surfaces of the teeth. In this manner, as shown with the pair of modules to the right in  FIG. 43B , the magnetic axes MA of a pair of modules  210  of a cooperating set need not be precisely aligned with one another for the interproximal surfaces  230  of the modules  210  to engage one another for retention of the teeth. 
     Although the magnetic attraction between the magnets  214  of a pair of adjacent modules  210  is sufficient to provide a light, constant attractive force for retaining the adjacent teeth in their desired positions, such force is generally sufficiently weak such that a patient may still apply dental floss between the teeth and the modules  210  for proper hygiene. In some cases, the dental floss may initially separate the teeth from one another when inserted between the teeth, also causing a slight separation between the modules  210  of the teeth to allow the dental floss to pass between modules  210 . In other cases, the dental floss may initially directly contact the modules  210  to force same slightly apart from one another to allow the dental floss to pass therebetween. In either case, upon withdrawal of the dental floss, the contact surfaces  230  of the modules  210  will immediately re-engage with one another as described above to retain the adjacent teeth. 
     While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs, the present disclosure may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles.