WO2002011643A1

WO2002011643A1 - Dispenser for orthodontic force modules

Info

Publication number: WO2002011643A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/032752
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph D. Hart; Robert H. Palmer; Mary R. Smith; James D. Hansen
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2000-08-09
Filing date: 2000-12-01
Publication date: 2002-02-14
Also published as: AU2001222535A1

Abstract

A dispenser for orthodontic force modules includes a unitary elastomeric body, and the body includes a number of orthodontic force modules along with a novelty item that is releasably connected to the force modules. The novelty item can be given to the patient by the practitioner as a small gift or momento once one or more of the force modules have been detached by the practitioner for use in orthodontic treatment. The novelty item can be a toy, a resemblance of a person, animal or creature, a model of a man-made structure or structure that exists in nature, a redeemable coupon, a logo or any other article that is aesthetically pleasing or otherwise appeals to orthodontic patients. Optionally, the dispenser includes an attachment device for coupling the article to other structure such as a book bag, article of clothing, window, mirror or refrigerator.

Description

DISPENSER FOR ORTHODONTIC FORCE MODULES

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the invention

This invention relates to an article useful during the course of orthodontic treatment. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a hand-held dispenser for elastomeric, orthodontic force modules.

2. Description of the Related Art

Orthodontic treatment involves the application of mechanical forces to urge improperly positioned teeth into correct alignment. One common form of orthodontic treatment includes the use of orthodontic brackets that are fixed to teeth along the patient's dental arch. A resilient curved archwire, seated in slots of the brackets, exerts a force on the brackets that tends to shift the corresponding teeth into orthodontically correct positions. A variety of elastomeric devices, also known as force modules, are sold for use during orthodontic treatment. For example, tiny O-ring devices are often used as ligatures to secure the archwire into the slots of the brackets. Once installed, the O-ring ligature extends around tiny hook-shaped "tiewings" of the bracket as well as across a front (i.e., labial) side of the archwire. In most instances, it is preferred that the ligature exerts sufficient force to fully seat the archwire in the slot of each bracket, so that the practitioner is assured of good control over movement of the associated teeth.

Other examples of elastomeric orthodontic force modules include devices especially adapted to separate adjacent teeth. Separators are particularly useful to provide clearance for later installation of an orthodontic band around the same tooth or teeth. Separators often have a ring-shaped overall configuration that is somewhat larger than the shape of elastomeric ligatures.

Other elastomeric orthodontic force modules include devices especially adapted to rotate a tooth about its long axis or to urge one dental arch in a direction toward the other dental arch. Such devices may have a ring-shaped configuration or a configuration resembling another type of loop (e.g., an oval). As another alternative, such devices may have an overall, somewhat "dog bone"-shaped configuration, with a single central, straight rod-like section that is integrally connected to loop-shaped outer end sections that, in turn, are coupled to selected points of attachment on the patient's upper and lower dental arches.

Elastomeric force modules for orthodontic treatment are sometimes loosely packaged in bulk form such as a bag. Alternatively, force modules may be molded together in series in the form of a chain which is pulled apart to separate one or more devices from the remaining devices in the chain when desired. As another alternative, a number of the elastomeric force modules are integrally molded with a larger carrier portion that functions as a disposable, hand-held dispenser.

One type of unitary, commercially available elastomeric dispenser has a ring- shaped carrier with an open center. A series of elastomeric ligatures are molded both around the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the carrier. The ligatures are dispensed by grasping the carrier with one hand and by engaging a ligature with the tips of a hand instrument such as a pliers-type tool or forceps. The ligature is then released from the carrier by pulling the ligature and carrier in directions away from each other until the point of connection ruptures. Another type of known dispenser for elastomeric orthodontic ligatures is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,038,753. This dispenser includes a central, ring-shaped section along with two elongated, opposed, outwardly extending branches. Each of the branches carries a plurality of O-ring ligatures arranged in a series along its length. In use, the practitioner places a finger through an open center of the central, ring-shaped section and bends one of the branches to a position between the thumb and forefinger in order to manipulate the dispenser as desired.

An improved dispenser for orthodontic O-rings is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,934,932. The dispenser of U.S. Patent No. 4,934,932 includes a carrier band and a series of O-rings that are integrally connected to the outer periphery of the carrier band. A web generally fills the space within the carrier band to present a gripping section for convenient manipulation of the dispenser as may be desired. While the dispensers described above have been generally satisfactory, there is a continuing need to improve upon the state of the art. Preferably, however, any such improvement would not unduly increase the cost of the dispenser or impair the functionality of the elastomeric force module that is being dispensed.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed in one aspect toward a dispenser for orthodontic force modules that comprises a unitary elastomeric body. The elastomeric body includes a number of orthodontic force modules and a novelty item that is releasably connected to the force modules.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a method of orthodontic treatment. The method includes the acts of providing a unitary, elastomeric dispenser for orthodontic force modules that includes at least one novelty item and at least one force module, and detaching at least one force module from the dispenser. The method also includes the acts of applying at least one detached force module to structure in a dental patient's oral cavity, and giving the novelty item to the patient.

The novelty item can be a toy, trinket or any other device that provides amusement or has appeal to orthodontic patients. Preferably, the novelty item appeals to adolescent patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Examples of suitable novelty items include models or images of animals, creatures, vehicles, weapons or sporting items. Other examples include logos of sports teams, musical groups and other entities as well as coupons that can be redeemed for other items of value. Numerous additional examples of novelty items are set out below. One example of use of the present invention is carried out in the orthodontist's office, at a time during treatment when the practitioner wishes to use elastomeric ligatures to secure an archwire to brackets. In this example, the practitioner grasps the dispenser body and releases the ligatures as needed. Once a ligature is placed around each bracket, the orthodontist can give the patient the novelty item for purposes of amusement. The novelty item need not be expensive and preferably does not significantly increase the overall cost of the dispenser. However, presentation of the novelty item as a gift or treat to the patient (and particularly adolescent patients) can trigger positive feelings in the patient toward the practitioner and improve the relationship between the patient and the practitioner. Moreover, such practice may help alleviate any anxiety that the patient may feel toward the treatment program

Further details of the invention are defined in the features of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the dispenser shown in Fig. 1 except that orthodontic force modules that are initially part of the dispenser have been removed;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of a dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a dispenser for orthodontic force modules that is constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to still another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

An orthodontic dispenser for dispensing orthodontic force modules is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and is broadly designated by the numeral 10. The dispenser 10 comprises a unitary, elastomeric body 12. The body includes a number of orthodontic force modules 14, and a novelty item 16 is releasably connected to the force modules 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the force modules 14 are in the shape of tiny

O-rings that are useful for ligating orthodontic archwires to brackets that are fixed to the patient's teeth. Preferably, the elastomeric body 12 has a sufficient number of force modules 14 so that at least one of the upper archwire and the lower archwire can be ligated to each bracket that is mounted on the patient's teeth. More preferably, the number of force modules 14 is somewhat greater than the expected number of ligatures needed to ligate one or both of the upper and lower archwires, so that additional ligatures are available in case one or more of the ligatures ruptures or is dropped during installation. Fig. 1 illustrates the orthodontic dispenser 10 as it appears before use. In contrast, Fig. 2 illustrates the dispenser 10 as it appears after each of the force modules 14 has been detached from the novelty item 16. Once the practitioner has removed a sufficient number of force modules from the novelty item 16 to carry out the treatment at hand, the novelty item 16 may be given to the patient as a gift or souvenir or for purposes of amusement.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the novelty item 16 in this example resembles a prehistoric animal and the force modules 16 are connected to a tail of the animal. However, other constructions are also possible. For example, the force modules 14 could also be connected to the head, legs, body or other sections of the animal. As another option, the force modules 14 could be arranged in a series that extends about the entire periphery of the novelty item 16.

Additionally, the novelty item 16 may be something other than a resemblance of a animal. For example, the novelty item may resemble another type of an animal, a caricature of an animal, a fictional creature, a caricature of a fictional creature, a plant, a vehicle, a weapon or a sporting item. The novelty item could include a "smiley face" image. Additional examples of possible novelty items include resemblances of a building, a toy, a geographical feature, a sports team logo, a slogan, a musical band logo or a historical figure. The novelty item may be a model of a man-made structure or device, or a model of something that exists in nature. L instances where the novelty item 16 resembles an animal or a caricature of an animal, any animal of the animal kingdom may be employed. Examples of suitable animals include, without limitation, protozoans (such as amoebas), coelenterates (such as Portuguese man-of-war), worms (such as earthworms, leeches and round worms), echinoderms (such as sea urchins and starfish), mollusks (such as clams, octopus, slugs, snails or squid) and crustaceans (such as crabs and lobster). Other examples from the animal kingdom include arachnids (such as scorpions, spiders and ticks), insects (such as flies, mosquitoes and dragonflies), fish, amphibians (such as frogs and salamanders), reptiles (such as lizards, alligators, snakes and turtles), birds and mammals (including bears, cats, dogs, horses, pigs, rabbits, rodents, marsupials (e.g., Tasmanian devils and kangaroos), weasels, whales and humans). Other suitable examples from the animal kingdom include a variety of extinct and prehistoric animals such as dinosaurs and saber- toothed cats. Additional examples from the animal kingdom include animal parts and organs (such as teeth, antennae, tails and horns).

Alternatively, the novelty item 16 can resemble a plant or a portion of a plant from the plant kingdom. The plants may be plants that grow on land or that grow in water. Examples of suitable plants and plant parts include, but are not limited to, trees, leaves, seeds, flowers, cactus, shrubs and grasses. Other examples from the plant kingdom include fruits, nuts, mushrooms and vegetables. Plants that are notable and/or unique to the area where the practitioner's office is located may be especially effective.

As another alternative, the novelty item 16 may resemble any one of a number of vehicles, such as vehicles suitable for carrying passengers, goods or equipment. Examples of suitable vehicles include automobiles, wagons, trucks, trains, railway cars or engines, tractors, trailers, skates, sleds, boats and bicycles. Additional examples of suitable vehicles include baby carriages, carts, parachutes, airplanes, spacecraft, dirigibles, satellites, rockets, gliders and the like. The novelty item 16 may also be a weapon such as small arms, larger arms or nuclear weapons: Examples of suitable weapons include knives, daggers, spears, swords, axes and clubs. Other examples include guns (including pistols, rifles, bazookas, cannons and machine guns), parts of guns or weapons (such as bullets), bombs, missiles, non- mechanized hand weapons (e.g., brass knuckles) and slingshots. The weapon may resemble a fictional weapon from a movie, book or the like, such as a laser gun from a science fiction novel. As used herein, weapons also means articles of restraint (such as handcuffs) and any item used offensively or defensively against another person, animal or creature.

As an additional alternative, the novelty item 16 may be a sporting item or resemble a sporting item. Suitable sports include water sports, ice and snow sports, ball games and target sports. Examples of sporting items include various articles used in sports and games such as chess pieces, tennis rackets, horseshoes, ice skates, baseball bats, fishing equipment and football gear. Other examples include items used for swimming, hockey, bowling, billiards, basketball, gymnastics, dancing and the like. The novelty item 16 may also be a ball having enhanced elasticity such as a superball.

The novelty item 16 may also resemble a building, monument or structure used for transport or housing of people. Examples include houses, office buildings, skyscrapers, famous monuments (such as the Eiffel Tower) and bridges (such as the Golden Gate Bridge). Suitable examples also include towers, tombs, castles, mosques, basilicas, pyramids, stadiums and other structures, and particularly structures having architectural interest. Other examples include structures that are unique to the nearby geographical area.

The novelty item 16 may also be a toy such as a trinket, ornament or plaything. Suitable examples include dolls, toy soldiers, jacks, tops, puzzles, puppets (including finger puppets), keychains, balloons and articles used in card games or board games. The toy may be a model of a musical instrument, hand tool, power tool, electronic article or accessory (such as a computer or compact disc), camera, article of clothing, cookware or furniture item. Other examples include toys that can be collected and coupled together, such as a toy monkey with arms that can be releasably linked to a toy monkey from another, similar dispenser. The toy may also be a letter of the alphabet that can be combined with other letters from other dispensers. The toy may be a useful toy or an article that resembles a toy.

The novelty item 16 may alternatively resemble a geographical or geological feature. Examples include mountains, volcanoes, canyons and islands. Particularly preferred examples resemble geographical or geological features that are well known to the public, such as an outline of a country or continent, or of a local mountain, cliff or waterfall.

The novelty item 16 may also be a logo such as a trademark or service mark used to identify a product or service. Examples of suitable logos include logos for sports teams, such as logos of basketball teams, football teams, baseball teams, soccer teams and the like. Other examples of logos include logos used by musical groups such as rock bands, and trademarks or tradenames used to identify the manufacturer or supplier of food, drink, clothing, vehicles or other articles of commerce (other than the manufacturer or supplier of the dispenser 10). The logos may also be service marks.

As an additional alternative, the novelty item 16 may resemble a historical figure. Preferred examples include well known historical figures such as George Washington, Charles de Gaulle, Benjamin Franklin, Sitting Bull and Thomas Edison. Other examples of historical figures include famous religious figures, famous musicians, actors, actresses, politicians, principal members of armed services or tribes, famous explorers, scientists, doctors and educators. Historical figures include people who have lived in the past as well as famous people who are currently alive but likely will be remembered in history. The historical figure may be an accurate representation of a person, or alternatively may be a caricature of a person. Further, the novelty item 16 may be a disposable applicator for applying force modules. For example, the novelty item may be in the shape of a stick having a hook at one end. The patient can then use the hook to apply a force module. Such a construction is especially useful for applying force modules that extend from one dental arch to the other. The elastomeric body may be molded in one piece by well-known injection molding techniques. Preferably, the elastomeric body 12 is made from a material that is selected from the class of moldable thermoplastic elastomers. One example of a suitable moldable thermoplastic elastomer is polyurethane. A variety of other elastomers may also be employed. Preferably, the moldable thermoplastic elastomer is resistant to staining when used in the oral cavity over a period of time. Preferably, the elastomeric material is resistant to staining when exposed to foods or beverages such as mustard, tea, coffee, blueberries, oil- based tomato sauces and the like. Particularly preferred materials that are resistant to staining include the elastomeric materials described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,317,074 and 5,461,113.

The orthodontic force modules 14 of the dispenser 10 may be devices other than orthodontic ligatures. For example, the orthodontic force modules 14 may be separators that are often used during initial stages of orthodontic treatment to increase the space between adjacent teeth. Such separators typically have a generally ring-shaped configuration.

Alternatively, the orthodontic force modules 14 may have other shapes or provide other functions as well. Examples include force modules having a generally "dog bone" configuration with a central straight section and two loop-shaped sections connected on opposite ends of the straight section. Such force modules are often used between a point of connection on the patient's upper dental arch and a point of connection on the patient's lower dental arch, in order to urge one jaw in a direction toward the other. Other types of force modules used to connect the patient's upper dental arch to the patient's lower dental arch may have a overall generally ring-shaped configuration, or a shape resembling a chain.

Preferably, and as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the force modules 14 are directly connected to the novelty item 16. However, as an alternative, the force modules 14 may be connected to a runner or carrier section or that, in turn, is connected to the novelty item

16. Optionally, the carrier section may be releasably connected to the novelty item 16, so that the novelty item 16 can be used or admired alone and before all of the force modules 14 have been detached.

Each of the force modules 14 is releasably connected to the novelty item 16 (or alternatively, to the carrier section described above) by a relatively small frangible section.

The frangible sections are not shown, but each frangible section is initially integrally connected to the novelty item 16 (or carrier section) and a respective force module 16.

In use, the novelty item 16 is gripped by the practitioner on opposed sides, and the force modules 14 are then detached from the novelty item 16 by grasping an individual force module 14 with a hand instrument and pulling that force module 14 in a direction away from the novelty item 16 until the frangible section is broken and the force module 14 has separated from the novelty item 16. Suitable hand instruments for detaching the force modules 14 include pliers-type tools or tools resembling tweezers. Preferably, the tool that is used to detach the force module 14 from the novelty item 16 is the same tool that is used to connect the force module 14 to the orthodontic bracket or other device in the patient's oral cavity.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of the dispenser as it appears once all of the force modules 14 have been detached from the novelty item 16. As can be appreciated, the novelty item 16 has an appearance that is likely to be attractive to an adolescent patient, and as a consequence can be given to the patient as a treat or souvenir. Optionally, not all of the force modules 14 need be detached from the novelty item 16 before giving the novelty item 16 to the patient. Furthermore, any remaining force modules 14 may be used to enhance the appearance of the novelty item 16 in certain circumstances, depending upon the design of the novelty item 16. For example, the novelty item may be a locomotive, and O-ring ligatures may be oriented to appear as wheels of the locomotive.

As an additional option, the novelty item 16 may include text for any selected purpose. For example, the text could include the name, address and phone number of the practitioner. Alternatively, the text could be a famous saying, slogan or joke. Such text could be incorporated as part of one of the shapes described above, or alternatively be included as part of, for example, a rectangular shape resembling a business card.

As another example, the text of the novelty item 16 may comprise a token or coupon that can be redeemed for goods or services by the patient, the practitioner or the practitioner's staff. For instance, the practitioner may elect to negotiate a redemption-type agreement with a store or other retail facility located in the neighborhood. The coupon may be then redeemed for one or more articles or services of relatively small value such as a free milkshake, soft drink, snack, movie pass or video rental. In instances where the novelty item 16 includes text, the text may be molded as part of the elastomeric body 12. Alternatively, the text may be printed or hot stamped on the body 12, and in that instance the outer surface of the body 12 that receives the text comprises the novelty item 16.

A dispenser 10a according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 3. The dispenser 10a includes a unitary elastomeric body 12a, a number of force modules 14a and a novelty item 16a that is detachably coupled to the force modules 14a. The dispenser 10a is essentially the same as the dispenser 10 described above and shown in Figs. 1 and 2, except for the differences that are described in the paragraphs that follow. More particularly, the dispenser 10a includes an attachment device 18 a.

Preferably, the attachment device 18a is part of the unitary elastomeric body 12a. Alternative, however, the attachment device 18a may be connected to the elastomeric body 12a by other means such as by adhesive or by a mechanical connection.

The attachment device 18a is useful for connecting the body 12a, and particularly the novelty item 16a, to another article. For example, the attachment device 18a may be used to connect the novelty item 16a to a book bag, an article of clothing, a school locker, a watch or an article of jewelry. The attachment device 18a may also be used to connect the novelty item 16a to a refrigerator, car window, dashboard, radio knob, automobile rear view mirror, bulletin board or wall. The attachment device 18a may also support a number of keys, or a ring for keys. Other examples are also possible.

The attachment device 18a that is illustrated in Fig. 3 is a closed loop that can be hooked or looped around an article of interest. However, other attachment devices are also possible. Suitable examples of other attachment devices include hooks, clips, magnetic strips, suction cups (optionally attached to strings or threads), a pair of strips containing hook and loop fastener material (such as "SCOTCH-MATE" brand reclosable fastener from 3M), a hole, a strap or an adhesive strip. A variety of other attachment devices are also possible.

An orthodontic dispenser 10b according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 4. The dispenser 10b is somewhat similar to the dispensers 10, 10a, in that the dispenser 10b comprises a unitary, elastomeric body 12b that includes a number of orthodontic force modules 14b. The body 12b also includes a novelty item 16b that, in this example, is a model of an automobile.

However, the dispenser 10b is somewhat different than the dispensers 10, 10a described above, in that the force modules 14b are detachably connected to a carrier section 15b. The carrier section 15b as shown in Fig. 4 has an elongated configuration and extends outwardly from one side of the novelty item 16b, although other constructions are also possible. For example, the dispenser 10b could include two carrier section similar to carrier section 15b, each of which detachably supports a number of orthodontic force modules 14b.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the carrier section 15b is detachably connected to the novelty item 16b. As such, the practitioner can detach the carrier section 15b from the novelty item 16b either before or after the orthodontic force modules 16b are detached for use. The carrier section 15b serves as a hand-held support for the orthodontic force modules 14b during a dispensing procedure in instances where the carrier section 15b is initially detached from the novelty item 16b.

As yet another example, the novelty item 16b may have an opening (not shown) in its center that is sufficiently large to receive a ring finger or other finger or thumb of the practitioner. The opening in the novelty item 16b may facilitate manipulation of the carrier section 15b and dispensing of the force modules 14b, particularly for those practitioners who are accustomed to working with dispensers of the type described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,038,753. In such an instance, it may be preferable to provide two carrier sections similar to carrier section 15b, each of which extends outwardly in opposite directions from the novelty item. An orthodontic dispenser 10c according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 5. The dispenser 10c is somewhat similar to the dispensers 10, 10a described above, except that the dispenser 10b in this instance includes structure for carrying text that serves as a coupon. As shown in Fig. 5, the dispenser 10c includes two novelty items 16c, 17c. The dispenser 10c also includes two coupons, each of which is comprised of text that is carried on two novelty items 16c, 17c.

Preferably, the novelty item 16c is releasably connected to the novelty item 17c so that the two coupons can be independently if desired. For example, one coupon may be used at an early time and the other coupon may be saved for use at a later time. As still another example, the novelty item 16c may include text representing a coupon, while the novelty item 17c may include text that identifies the practitioner's name, address and phone number along with any other desired information of interest.

Optionally, the force modules of the dispensers 10, 10a, 10b, 10c described above may be relatively clear or may be tinted to present one or more desired colors when used in the oral cavity. The attached novelty item may be the same color as the novelty item or a different color. Optionally, the novelty item may be made of two or more colors in order to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance, or to provide contrast for text.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a multitude of modifications and additions may be made to the dispensers described above, and particularly to the novelty items described above for purposes of illustration. Many other types of novelty items may be employed other than the particular items set out above. Accordingly, the invention should not be deemed limited by the detailed description set out above and the accompanying drawings, but instead only by a fair scope of the claims that follow along with their equivalents.

Claims

Claims:

1. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules comprising a unitary elastomeric body, wherein the body includes a number of orthodontic force modules and a novelty item releasably connected to the force modules.

2. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the novelty item resembles an animal, a creature, a caricature of an animal or creature, a plant, a vehicle, a weapon, a sporting item, a building, a toy, a geographical feature, a sports team logo, a musical group logo, a slogan, a logo of another product or service or a historical feature.

3. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 2 wherein the novelty item resembles an animal that is an insect or person.

4. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 2 wherein the novelty item resembles a weapon that is a knife, rifle, gun or missile.

5. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 2 wherein the novelty item resembles a vehicle that is a car, airplane, boat, train or motorcycle.

6. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a model of a man-made structure or of structure that exists in nature.

7. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a coupon.

8. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein at least some of the force modules are integrally connected directly to the novelty item.

9. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 8 wherein all of the force modules are integrally connected directly to the novelty item.

10. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 8 wherein the novelty item resembles an animal or creature with a tail, and wherein at least some of the force modules are integrally connected directly to the tail.

11. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the assembly also includes a carrier section, an wherein at least some of the force modules are integrally connected directly to the carrier section.

12. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the novelty item is integrally connected only to the force modules so that upon separation upon of the force modules from the novelty item, the novelty item is free of other structure.

13. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the force modules are ligatures.

14. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the force modules are separators. ^"

15. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the force modules have a generally ring-shaped configuration.

16. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the dispenser includes an attachment device connected to the novelty item for coupling the novelty item to other structure.

17. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 16 wherein the attachment device is part of the unitary body.

18. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 17 wherein the attachment device has a loop-shaped configuration.

19. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 16 wherein the attachment device is a hook, clip, magnetic strip, suction cup, hook and loop fastener strip, hole, loop, strap or adhesive strip.

20. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 16 wherein the other structure is a book bag, school locker, article of clothing, refrigerator, bulletin board or automobile rear view mirror.

21. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the body includes at least one additional novelty item.

22. A dispenser for orthodontic force modules according to claim 1 wherein the body includes an applicator for applying the force modules to other orthodontic devices.

23. A method of orthodontic treatment comprising the acts of: providing a unitary elastomeric dispenser for orthodontic force modules that includes at least one novelty item and at least one force module; detaching at least one force module from the dispenser; applying at least one detached force module to structure in a dental patient's oral cavity; and giving the novelty item to the dental patient.

24. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 23 wherein the act of giving the novelty item to the patient is carried out subsequent to the act of applying at least one detached force module to structure in the dental patient's oral cavity.

25. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 23 wherein the novelty item is a coupon, and including the act of redeeming the coupon for another article or for a service.

26. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 25 wherein the act of redeeming the coupon is carried out by the dental patient.

27. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 23 and including the act of attaching the novelty item to other structure.

28. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 27 wherein the other structure is a book bag, school locker, article of clothing, refrigerator, bulletin board or automobile rear view mirror.

29. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 27 wherein the act of attaching the novelty item to other structure is carried out by the patient.