Latex and nonlatex orthodontic elastics: In vitro and in vivo evaluations of tissue compatibility and surface structure.

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between latex and nonlatex orthodontic elastics with respect to tissue compatibility and surface structure.

Materials And Methods: Latex and nonlatex elastics were implanted in the subcutaneous connective tissue of 45 Wistar rats. In the control groups, no material was implanted (sham).