Dr. Amanda Seay’s Guide to Minimally Invasive Smile Transformations
- The New Dentist
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 29
When we talk about the restorative periodontal interface, what we’re really discussing is the harmony between the pink and the white, the tissue and the teeth. Achieving the ideal smile isn’t just about perfectly shaped teeth; it’s about how those teeth interact with the surrounding gingiva to create a natural, balanced and esthetically pleasing result.
In a recent case, Dr. Amanda Seay worked with a patient who came in with healthy teeth, good bone and beautiful tissue, but she wanted a smile that truly reflected her personality. Her main concern? A small gap between her teeth and minor discrepancies in tooth shape. Initially, she wondered if aligners might fix her spacing, but a closer look at her intraoral photos and videos told a different story.
The issue wasn’t just the position of the teeth, it was also about the shape, proportion, and contour that created disharmony. The patient’s lateral incisors were undersized, the central incisors slightly short, and the axial inclination of her teeth added subtle challenges.
This tip walks you through performing crown lengthening on the same day as applying composite veneers, helping you achieve predictable, efficient results. Here’s a preview—click below to watch the full video or keep reading.
To help her visualize the potential outcome, Dr. Seay created a mock-up using composite. This allowed her to mimic a “gum lift”—a term patients understand far better than “crown lengthening.” By drying the tissue and placing the composite directly, she demonstrated the esthetic impact of leveling asymmetrical tissue and improving symmetry. The patient loved the result, and with that approval, they moved forward with treatment.
Breaking Down the Smile: Risk Assessment and the Smile Triad
Dr. Seay emphasizes the importance of assessing lip dynamics and gum display in esthetic cases. This patient fell into a moderate risk category: she displayed some gum tissue, but not excessively. Understanding her lip movement was critical, if excessive tissue shows due to lip movement, crown lengthening alone wouldn’t be enough. In some cases, minor adjustments such as Botox® or gentle gingival contouring can also be part of the plan.
Dr. Seay uses what she calls the smile triad to guide her esthetic planning:
Incisal Edge Position: where the smile begins and ends
Lip Dynamic: the upper and lower lip movements during expression
Gingival Architecture: symmetry, height and scallop of the tissue
Analyzing the patient’s smile using this framework, Dr. Seay identified asymmetries, including the steep, triangular scallop on tooth #10 and the broader, flatter scallop on #8. By planning tissue leveling and scallop modification, she achieved harmony between the teeth and gums.
The Procedure: Simple, Efficient and Predictable
On the day of treatment, Dr. Seay combined whitening, direct composite veneers on teeth 7 through 10, and crown lengthening—all in one visit. First, she adjusted the tissue using an electrosurge to create even symmetry. Then, she finalized the composite restorations. Afterward, she performed flapless crown lengthening, sculpting the bone to ensure the tissue remained stable and natural.
What might seem complex is actually surprisingly simple. With minimal invasiveness, predictable results, and only one appointment, Dr. Seay transformed her patient’s smile—delivering a natural, balanced, and confident outcome.
This case is a perfect example of how small, precise interventions can create dramatic esthetic improvements without extensive surgery. Watching this clinical tip, you’ll gain:
A step-by-step understanding of the restorative periodontal interface
Insight into mock-up techniques to help patients visualize their smile
Practical strategies for combining composite veneers, crown lengthening, and tissue management
A framework for evaluating lip dynamics, gingival architecture, and incisal edge positioning in aesthetic cases
See how Dr. Amanda Seay uses a one-day, minimally invasive approach to create stunning, predictable results.
Dr. Amanda Seay helps dentists elevate their clinical skills, streamline workflows and deliver exceptional patient care. Through Seay Within, she offers practical, actionable strategies for improving treatment planning, esthetic outcomes and team efficiency—all designed to fit seamlessly into your practice.
A great place to start is her monthly case discussions, where she shares real-world clinical cases, step-by-step techniques, and decision-making insights. Join these sessions to see how she approaches complex cases, overcomes challenges and achieves predictable, beautiful results.
