Day 0: procedure completed; no anaesthetic needed in most cases (minimal preparation). Sensitivity to cold or sweet stimuli may be present for 1-2 days as bond stress settles. Avoid intensely staining foods (coffee, red wine, curry) for the first 48 hours.
Week 1: composite continues to take on full hardness. Routine eating and drinking permitted. Avoid biting on hard objects.
Month 1: review and polish recommended at four weeks to address any marginal roughness. Composite-specific care: avoid using teeth as tools (opening packages, biting nails) — chipping is the main mode of failure.
Year 1: annual polish and review. Surface stain accumulation is normal over time and can usually be polished off; deeper marginal staining may require selective repair.
Year 5-7: typical lifespan of well-maintained composite veneers. Replacement or upgrade to porcelain is usually appropriate.