The present invention relates to a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with improved characteristics resulting in a lower profile and improved usability. The orthodontic bracket comprises a body including a bonding base for attachment to a tooth, the bonding base having a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the tooth. One or more gingival tie wings extend labially from the body and two or more mesiodistally-spaced occlusal tie wings extending labially from the body. An archwire slot extends mesiodistally across the body between the gingival tie wing and the occlusal tie wings. The archwire slot has a lingual base where the lingual base has a hole extending labial-lingually through the bonding base.