Self-ligating orthodontic brackets

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising:

• a mounting pad adapted to engage the tooth surface;
• a bracket body having a base portion secured to the mounting pad;
• the bracket body having an arch wire slot which extends in a mesiodistal direction formed therein;
• at least one pair of occlusal and gingival tie wings;
• and
• a generally U shaped, locking clip wherein the clip allows placement and removal of the arch wire when in the open position and prevents the displacement of the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closed position, the locking clip having a labial free end portion for engagement with the at least one pair of occlusal and gingival tie wings and a lingual base side portion having flange portions extending therefrom;
• wherein the mounting pad and the base portion of the body define a lingual cavity for securement of the lingual base side portion of the clip to the bracket, the lingual cavity having a lingual opening for allowing the slideable movement of the locking clip between the open and closed positions;
• and
• wherein the lingual opening includes a smaller width in the mesiodistal direction than the lingual cavity and the flange portions extend mesiodistally from the lingual base side portion within the lingual cavity such the flange portions have a larger width in the mesiodistial direction than the lingual opening to prevent the flange portions of the lingual base side portion from passing through the lingual opening thereby maintaining the flange portions of the lingual base side portion within the lingual cavity while securing the locking clip to the bracket.