The present invention relates to an orthodontic archwire stop (20) having a body (26) made of a shpae memory metal alloy. The body has first and second, spaced apart arm portions (40, 42) connected to each other. Each arm portion includes a jaw portion (44) having an inner, arch wire-gripping, surface (80). The inner gripping surfaces are disposed opposite one another in spaced relation with a station defined therebetween for receiving the arch wire. At least a portion of the station is sized smaller than the arch wire. The arm portions are resiliently deflectable outwardly away from each other to admit the arch wire into the station. Once seated in the station, the arch wire is tightly held by inner gripping surfaces so as to resist displacement of the gripping device relative to the arch wire.
