an orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial - distal directions , a central channel and two side channels . the two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base . each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein . each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally - occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel . for each channel , its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel the force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses .