Orthodontic Brackets

An orthodontic bracket having a base with a front face and spaced tie wings, with a generally central recess provided between the tie wings. With non-metal brackets, a separate jig or insert may be positioned between the tie wings. The jig or insert includes a central recess. The orthodontic brackets are designed to be positioned on an individual's tooth with the aid of a conventional bracket positioning gauge having a guide which is received in the recess of a bracket or the recess of a jig or insert. In alternate embodiments, one or more grooves may be provided between the tie wings to both assist in bracket positioning and to reduce friction between a bracket and the archwire which extends between brackets.