A dental practice is launching tooth-polishing parties to coincide with the start of National Smile Month this weekend.

Beacon DentalCare in Malvern, Worcestershire, has launched tooth-polishing parties in response to requests from patients, mainly for bridal and hen parties.

Recent research by the practice found that nearly 50% of wedding parties surveyed wanted to improve the colour of their teeth prior to the big day.

Each polishing party can cater for up to 10 people, giving them exclusive use of Beacon DentalCare clinic with its views of the Malvern Hills for two hours plus.

The package costs just £37.50 per person and includes a tooth-polishing service, free champagne, tea and coffee in the practice's lounge complete with a massage chair and music system.

People can also opt to watch a film during the party on the plasma screen, and there's also a games room with a Nintendo Wii.

Karen Sutton, principal dentist at Beacon Dentalcare, said: ‘People want something more than just a night out and spending money on booze, especially if it's to celebrate a special occasion. Our tooth-polishing parties seem to appeal to everyone – hen parties, stag parties and birthday parties – we've even had a request from someone organising a retirement party and one parent is considering a polishing party for their teenage daughter.'