According to one embodiment, a self-ligating lingual orthodontic bracket is provided. A base is adapted for
coupling to a
lingual surface of a tooth in a person's arch. First and second flanges extend from the base to define a wire slot adapted to receive an
orthodontic wire inserted into the wire slot. A flexible retaining clip is adapted to move generally vertically toward and away from the
occlusal plane within a clip slot formed through the bracket. The retaining clip is adapted to apply a resilient force to an object positioned between the first and third portions, which is used to secure the
orthodontic wire within the wire slot in a self-ligating manner. The retaining clip is adapted to be urged generally vertically toward the
occlusal plane from a closed position to an open position to
expose the wire slot to receive the
orthodontic wire, the retaining clip being biased against the second
flange when the retaining clip is in the open position due to the applied resilient force. The retaining clip is also adapted to be urged generally vertically away from the
occlusal plane from the open position to the closed position to secure the orthodontic wire within the wire slot, the retaining clip being biased against the orthodontic wire when the retaining clip is in the closed position and the orthodontic wire is secured within the wire slot due to the applied resilient force.