A ligating member operable to obtain an archwire within a slot of an orthodontic bracket or buccal tube, including a base, a first ligating finger extending from the base, a second ligating finger extending from the base, and a latching element extending from the base between the first ligating finger and the second ligating finger. The latching element includes a neck portion extending from the base, the neck portion having a minimum cross-section portion, and a head portion extending from the neck portion, the head portion including a protrusion. The ligating member has a length, L1, from the base to a centerline of the protrusion, and a length, L2, from a centerline of the minimum cross-section portion to the centerline of the protrusion, wherein L2 is equal to or greater than 40% of L1.
