Last Updated: June 30, 2026
Smiles Orthodontics ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit our website at smiles-orthodontics.com or communicate with us, including via SMS text messaging.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
Information You Provide Directly
When you submit an appointment request through our website, you may provide your name, email address, phone number, reason for your appointment, and any message you include. This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry and schedule your visit.
Information Collected via Our AI Chat Assistant (Sofia)
Our website includes an AI-powered chat assistant named Sofia. Any information you voluntarily share during a chat session (such as your name or questions about orthodontic treatment) may be used to respond to your inquiry. Sofia is not intended for the collection or transmission of protected health information (PHI). Please do not share sensitive medical information through the chat.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect non-personal information such as browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited. This information is used for website analytics and performance improvements only.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to appointment requests and patient inquiries
- Send appointment reminders, confirmations, and follow-up communications via SMS, email, or phone
- Improve the functionality and content of our website
- Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA
3. SMS / Text Messaging
By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to receive text messages from Smiles Orthodontics, you consent to receive SMS messages related to your care, including appointment reminders, scheduling confirmations, and follow-up communications.
Mobile information, including your phone number and SMS opt-in consent, will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
We do not sell, share, or rent your mobile phone number or SMS opt-in data to any third party for their marketing use. This information is used exclusively for communications directly related to your care at Smiles Orthodontics.
Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For help, reply HELP or contact us at smilesorthodontics@gmail.com or +1 (915) 585-8595.
4. HIPAA Notice
As a healthcare provider, Smiles Orthodontics is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act (TMRPA). Protected Health Information (PHI) collected in the course of providing orthodontic care is governed by our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which is available at our office and upon request.
Our website appointment form and chat assistant are not HIPAA-secured channels. Please do not submit sensitive health information through these tools. Clinical information is collected and managed separately through our secure practice management system.
5. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website and managing our practice (such as our practice management software provider), solely as necessary to provide those services, and under appropriate confidentiality agreements.
We may also disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of our patients and staff.
6. Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies and third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site. This data is aggregated and anonymous. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly as a result.
7. Your Data Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal requirements
- Opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.
8. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information we collect. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without verifiable parental consent. Many of our patients are minors; in those cases, we communicate with and obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Your continued use of our website after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us:
Smiles Orthodontics
855 N Resler Dr, El Paso, TX 79912
Phone: +1 (915) 585-8595
Email: smilesorthodontics@gmail.com
Website: smiles-orthodontics.com
