Abstract: A self-engaging twin edgewise orthodontic bracket, comprising a body portion having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a pair of gingival and occlusal tie wings extending buccal (or labially) from the lingual surface, a central mesiodistally extending labially opening slot for receiving an archwire, a second superior and labial interrupted mesial and distal slot, a first mesiodistally extending stepped, lingual locking surface intermediate of the gingival or occlusal tie wings, and a mesiodistally extending axis intermediate the other of the gingival or occlusal tie wings; a pivotal latch having a catch at one end thereof for locking engagement with the locking surface, a pivot at an opposite end thereof for pivotally receiving the axis such that the latch is pivotal from an open position for inserting and removing the archwire to a closed position wherein the latch covers the slot and the catch is positioned gingivally of the locking surface, and latching apparatus adjacent the pivot and intermedia