An orthodontic appliance includes a first connector member, selected from one of a connector element and an element receiver, and a second connector member, selected from the other of the connector element and the element receiver, is coupled to a patient. The connector element and element receiver cooperate to secure and release the orthodontic appliance to and from the patient. The connector receiver includes a housing and a clip, wherein the housing receives the connector element and the clip is movable along an axis between a release and blocked positions, but is biased toward the blocked position. The connector element is capable of being inserted into and removed from the housing when the clip is in the release position, and the connector element is captured within the housing when the clip is in the blocked position. A method for coupling an orthodontic appliance to a patient is also disclosed.
