Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Costalos Orthodontics (Peter A. Costalos, DMD, PC) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit our website, how we use and protect it, and the choices you have. By using this website, you agree to the practices described here.
The short version: we collect only what we need to respond to you and to improve our website, we protect it carefully, and we never sell or rent your personal information or use patient data for advertising.Information We Collect
Information you give us. When you request a consultation through the form on our Contact page, we collect the details you choose to share, such as your name, phone number, email address, who the appointment is for, the treatment you’re interested in, your preferred appointment times, and how you heard about us. We use this information only to contact you by phone or email and to schedule your visit.
Our contact form is for scheduling only. Please do not include medical or other sensitive health information in it.
Information collected automatically. Like most websites, we automatically collect certain technical information when you visit, such as your browser type, device type, the pages you view, how long you stay, the website that referred you, and your general location (city or region). We collect this through cookies and Google Analytics, described below.
Patient Forms and Health Information
Our new patient forms, including medical and dental history forms and informed consent forms, are hosted securely by Paubox, a HIPAA-compliant platform. When you complete one of these forms, your medical, personal, and other confidential information is encrypted and transmitted directly to our practice through Paubox. It is not stored on this website.
Protected health information you share with our practice is handled in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is available from our office on request.
How We Use Your Information
- To respond to your questions and consultation requests
- To schedule appointments and contact you by phone or email
- To understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it
- To keep our website secure, working properly, and free from spam
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. We use the following types of cookies:
- Necessary cookies make the website work and keep it secure, such as protecting the site from bots, monitoring performance and reliability, protecting our forms from spam, and remembering your language choice and cookie preferences. These are always on.
- Functional cookies remember choices you make, such as accessibility settings, to give you a better experience.
- Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors find and use our website, so we can improve it.
- Advertising cookies are not used on our website.
Except for necessary cookies, we only use cookies with your consent. When you first visit, our cookie banner lets you accept or decline optional cookies before any are used, or choose by category under “Customize.” If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal, we treat it as declining optional cookies. We remember your choice for 180 days and then ask again.
You can change your choices at any time using the cookie settings button (the cookie icon) in the lower-left corner of every page. If you decline analytics cookies, any Google Analytics cookies already on your device are removed. You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect how parts of the website work.
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand page visits and how visitors engage with our website, such as which pages are most helpful. Google Analytics collects information through cookies and reports website trends to us without identifying individual visitors. Google processes this data under its own privacy policy. You can opt out of Google Analytics by declining analytics cookies or by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Website Translation
Our website can be translated automatically into Spanish, Greek, Polish, Chinese, and Arabic using Google Translate. Translation happens only if you choose a language from the Language menu. When you do, the text of the page you are viewing is sent to Google to be translated, and a necessary cookie remembers your language choice as you move between pages. Google processes this text under its own privacy policy.
Automatic translations may contain errors. The English version of our website is the official version. If anything is unclear, please call us and we will be glad to help.
How We Share Information
We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information, and we never use or sell patient data. We share information only in these limited situations:
- With trusted service providers who help us run our website and practice, such as our website host, email provider, Google Analytics, Google Translate (only when you choose a language), and Paubox. They may use your information only to provide services to us.
- When required by law, such as to respond to a subpoena or court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of our patients, our practice, or others.
- With your consent, or at your direction.
How We Protect Your Information
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. Our website uses a secure, encrypted (HTTPS) connection, and confidential patient information is collected only through our HIPAA-compliant Paubox forms. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, but we work hard to protect the information you share with us.
How Long We Keep Information
We keep contact form submissions only as long as needed to respond to you and schedule your care, or as required by law. Patient records are kept in accordance with applicable healthcare record-keeping requirements.
Your Choices and Rights
- Ask us what personal information we have about you, or ask us to correct or delete it
- Opt out of emails from us at any time
- Manage or withdraw your cookie choices at any time
- Request a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices
To make a request, contact us using the information below. We will respond as required by applicable law.
Children's Privacy
This website is intended for adults, including parents and guardians. We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13. Information about a child patient should be provided by a parent or guardian. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
Links to Other Websites
Our website links to other websites, such as Paubox, Google Maps, Facebook, Instagram, and professional organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the updated version on this page and change the “Last updated” date above.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:
Costalos Orthodontics
Peter A. Costalos, DMD, PC
466 Bay Ridge Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: (718) 238-9888
Email: contact@petercostalos.com