Invisalign APEX Gala on 22 October 2026
By Dr Shehnaz Quasim, Principal Dentist at Wigmore Smiles, Luton
Have you ever had a moment when you stop and reflect on how far you have come, and the people who have helped you get there?
That was how I felt last night.
I had the privilege of attending the Invisalign® APEX Awards at Horizon 22 in London, and what an evening it was. Standing on the 58th floor, looking out across the capital, with its sparkling lights and famous landmarks stretching into the distance, was a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of dentists from across the UK.
Receiving my APEX Award was a particularly proud moment. The award recognises exceptional growth in Invisalign treatment, placing us among the top 1% of dentists recognised for this achievement. To receive it alongside fellow clinicians, peers and mentors whom I admire made the occasion even more special.
As I stood there taking it all in, I found myself thinking about the journey behind the award: the patients who have trusted me with their smiles, the team who have worked alongside me and the many lessons that have shaped the way we approach Invisalign at Wigmore Smiles.
Because, ultimately, the real value of this achievement lies in what it means for the people who walk through our doors.
Every smile has a story
When someone comes to see me about Invisalign, there is usually more to their decision than wanting straighter teeth.
Perhaps they have spent years feeling self-conscious about their smile. Maybe they avoid showing their teeth in photographs or have been considering treatment for a long time but never quite taken the first step.
Everyone has their own reasons, and I enjoy getting to know those stories.
For me, premium Invisalign treatment starts with understanding what you want to achieve and why it matters to you. It means taking the time to discuss your goals, explain your options and create a treatment plan that considers your individual needs.
I want our patients to feel involved in their treatment from the very first conversation. After all, it is your smile, your investment and your journey.
It's about the experience, not just the aligners
One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that the quality of an Invisalign experience depends on much more than the aligners themselves.
Clinical planning is essential, of course. Digital scanning and treatment planning help us assess your teeth, discuss your goals and explain the proposed approach. But the experience between appointments matters, too.
That is why we have developed our White Glove Concierge service at Wigmore Smiles . It gives our Invisalign patients direct access to our team, making it easier to ask questions and seek guidance as treatment progresses.
Our wider team also plays an important role, from your first enquiry and initial consultation through to regular reviews and the finishing stages. We work together to make the process organised, personal and straightforward.
These details might seem small individually, but together they shape how you experience your treatment.
What does the APEX Award mean for my patients?
It is a fair question. An award is a wonderful achievement, but what does it actually mean for someone considering Invisalign?
For me, it represents both progress and responsibility.
The recognition reflects the growth we have achieved in delivering Invisalign treatment. It also motivates us to keep developing our skills, refining our systems and improving the experience we offer our patients.
Being part of the APEX community gives me opportunities to learn from other clinicians, share experiences and discover different approaches to patient care. Dentistry continues to evolve, and I believe there is always something new to learn.
As our Invisalign journey grows, I want to make sure that our focus remains on thoughtful treatment planning, good communication and a patient experience that reflects the standards we set ourselves.
The award is a milestone, not a finish line.
An achievement shared with my team and patients
Although I was the one receiving the award last night, this achievement would not have been possible without the people around me.
Our team contributes to every stage of the Invisalign journey, whether through patient conversations, appointment coordination, clinical care or follow-up support. It takes everyone working together to create the experience we want our patients to have.
I am also grateful to the mentors and colleagues who have shared their knowledge and encouraged me to keep progressing.
And to the patients who have chosen Wigmore Smiles for their Invisalign treatment, thank you for being part of this journey. Your trust has helped us grow, and every case gives us another opportunity to learn and improve.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on the evening at Horizon 22, I feel proud of what we have achieved and excited about what lies ahead.
The setting was spectacular, the recognition was meaningful, and sharing the occasion with so many talented clinicians was a privilege. But what I will take away most is a renewed sense of purpose.
I want us to keep asking how we can do things better, how we can make treatment easier to navigate and how we can help more people feel confident about their smiles.
If Invisalign is something you have been considering, I would love to hear what you have in mind. You may have a clear idea of what you want to change, or you may simply be curious about what is possible.
Either way, a conversation is a good place to start. We can explore your goals, discuss whether Invisalign may be suitable for you and help you decide on your next step.
Receiving the APEX Award is a milestone I will remember for years to come. For me, the next chapter is about building on it, together with my team and the patients who make our work so rewarding.
Dr Shehnaz Quasim
Principal Dentist
Wigmore Smiles, Luton
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