In a study commissioned by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly all respondents said a smile is an important social asset. Ninety-six percent said an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex, and 74 percent felt an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success. These statistics support the fact that cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, with teeth whitening procedures rising 300 percent in recent years. From the thinnest over-the-counter whitening strips to quick and easy professional chair-side bleaching, smile makeover technology gets more advanced every day. For example, the new Sapphire Whitening Light, a xenon (gas-filled) arc light developed by Den-Mat Corp., has vastly improved the speed and comfort of in-office whitening. More than 10,000 dental professionals nationwide use the Sapphire Whitening Light. According to a report in the Dental Advisor, a leading dental journal, less heat is generated from the Sapphire Light tip than other high-power curing lights, though it distributes a higher light intensity. This makes the light effective without causing the sensitivity many people feel during and after a professional bleaching procedure. It also reduces potentially harmful UVA rays. In addition, a recent University at Buffalo study reports the superior efficacy of the Sapphire Light when used with the leading chair-side bleaching brands. The study suggests that the Sapphire Light enhances the bleaching effect of these products by three to six shades compared to the bleaching effect without the light. Research reveals that the light works best in conjunction with new Sapphire Professional Whitening Gel. The gel contains a desensitizing agent to further reduce sensitivity. It can bleach all teeth at once, or the dentist can use a specialized whitening tip to whiten one tooth at a time, concentrating on the most severely stained teeth for uniform results.