Abstract: A ceramic orthodontic bracket assembly for attaching an arch wire to a tooth of the invention includes a bracket body made of a first transparent or translucent ceramic which consists essentially of a monocrystalline alumina. The bracket body has a mesial-distal channel formed therein, and a generally rectangular liner made of a second transparent or translucent ceramic is disposed in the channel. The liner has occlusal and gingival side walls forming an archwire slot therebetween. Means such as brazing or adhesive are provided for bonding the liner in the channel in which it is configured to closely fit.