Cavity varnish is a resin solution applied to prepared cavity walls that forms a protective film barrier between restorations and dentin. It is composed of natural or synthetic resins dissolved in solvents like alcohol or acetone, and sometimes contains fluorides or other agents. Cavity varnish is supplied in bottles and applied in thin layers to reduce sensitivity, seal dentin, and protect restorations from corrosion or dehydration. Proper application involves allowing layers to dry before adding more.

1. Cavity varnish
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2. Introduction
•Cavity varnish is a solution of one or more
resins , which Is applied onto the
prepared cavity walls.
•Then varinsh evaporates and make a thin
resin film.
•And that resin film serves as a barrier
between the restoration and the dentinal
tubules.
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3. Composition
•Natural gum such as copal, resin or synthetic
resin dissolved in an organic solvent like
alcohol,acetone, or ether.
• Medicinal agents such as chlorobutanol, thymol
and eugenol may be added.
Some varnishes also contain fluorides.
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4. SUPPLIED AS
•Liquid in dark colored bottles .
•Commercial Names -
•Harvard lac,
• Chem Varnish,
• Secura,
•Fuji Varnish (GC)
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5. Type
•Fluoride varnishes
•Antimicrobial varnishes
•Desensitizing varnishes
•Tooth whitening varnishes
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6. Based on Curing
•Physically cured varnishes
•Chemically cured varnishes
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7. Manipulation
🔪The varnish may be applied by using a brush,
wire loop or a small pledget of cotton.
🔪Several thin layers are applied. Each layer is
allowed to dry before applying the next one.
🔪When the first layer dries, small pinholes
develop.

8. 🔪 These voids are filled in by the
succeeding varnish applications.
🔪The main objective is to attain a
uniform and continuous coating.
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9. Properties
•The film thickness ranges from 2 to 400 µm.
•The solubility of dental varnishes is low;
•They are virtually insoluble in water.
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10. Contraindications
•Composite resins The solvent in the varnish may
react with the resin.
•Glass ionomer Varnish eliminates the potential for
adhesion, if applied between glass ionomer cement
(GIC) and the cavity.
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11. Application
•1. It reduces microleakage around the margins
of newly placed amalgam restorations, thereby
reducing, postoperative sensitivity.
•2. It reduces passage of irritants into the
dentinal tubules from the overlying restoration
or base, e.g. silicate.
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12. • 3. In amalgam restorations, they also prevent
penetration of corrosion products into the
dentinal tubules, thus, minimizing tooth
discoloration.
• 4. Varnish may be used as a surface coating over
certain restorations to protect them from
dehydration or contact with oral fluids, e.g.
silicate and glass ionomer restorations.
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13. • 5. Varnish may be applied on the surface of metallic
restoration as a temporary protection in cases of
galvanic shock.
• 6. When electrosurgery is to be done adjacent to
metallic restorations, varnish applied over the
metallic restorations serves as a temporary electrical
insulator.
• 7. Fluoride containing varnishes release fluoride.
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14. PRECAUTIONS
1. Varnish solutions should be tightly capped
immediately after use to prevent loss of solvent by
evaporation.
2. It should be applied in a thin consistency. Viscous
varnish does not wet the cavity walls properly. It
should be thinned with an appropriate solvent.
3. Excess varnish should not be left on the margins
of the restorations as it prevents proper finishing of
the margins of the restorations.
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15. The End
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