Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We only collect information that helps us respond to inquiries and improve your experience on our website. This may include:

• Information you provide: name, email address, phone number, and any message or details you submit through our contact form, consultation request, or a Google Ads lead form.
• Information collected automatically: basic technical data such as your browser type, device, general location (city/region), pages viewed, and how you arrived at our site.

2. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to consultation requests, questions, and appointment inquiries.
• Schedule and confirm visits, and follow up about your interest in treatment.
• Improve our website, services, and patient experience.
• Measure the performance of our marketing and understand which content is helpful.
• Comply with applicable laws and protect the security of our practice and patients.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to help pages function correctly, remember preferences, and understand how visitors interact with our content. You can control or disable cookies in your browser settings; some parts of the site may not work as expected if cookies are turned off.

4. Google Analytics and Advertising Platforms

We use Google Analytics (GA4) to understand how people use our site so we can make it better. We may also use Google Ads conversion tracking and Meta (Facebook) Pixel to measure the performance of advertising and reach people who may be interested in our services.

These tools may collect information such as pages viewed, time on site, device type, and general location. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on, and you can manage ad personalization through your Google and Meta account settings.

5. Third-Party Services

We rely on trusted third-party providers for services such as website hosting, form handling, analytics, advertising, and (in the future) appointment scheduling and patient communication. These providers only receive the information they need to perform their work and are expected to handle it responsibly under their own privacy practices.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information submitted through our website. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, so we encourage you to share only what is necessary through online forms.

7. HIPAA Disclaimer

Our website forms are intended for general inquiries and consultation requests only. Please do not submit detailed medical history, diagnoses, insurance details, or other protected health information (PHI) through website forms or email. Sensitive health information should be shared during your visit or through secure channels we provide as a patient of the practice. Information shared in our office, as part of your care, is handled in accordance with applicable healthcare privacy laws, including HIPAA.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, ask us to correct or update it, or request that we delete it. You can also ask us to stop sending you marketing communications at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without a parent or guardian's involvement. When a parent or guardian submits an inquiry on behalf of a minor, we treat that information as belonging to the parent or guardian. If you believe a child has provided us information without permission, please contact us so we can remove it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practice, technology, or applicable law. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be highlighted on the website where appropriate.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please reach out:

• smiles + bites Orthodontics
• 215 Westheimer Rd Suite 150, Houston, TX 77006
• Phone: (713) 379-7233
• Email: hello@smilesbites.com

12. No Sale of Personal Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. Information you share with us is used only for the purposes described in this policy, including responding to your inquiries, providing care, and improving our services.