This Cookie Policy explains how Smila Aligners Ltd ("Smila", "we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on smila.uk. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet or phone) when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognise your device, remember preferences, and gather information about how the site is used.
Cookies are commonly classified as:
- First-party cookies — set directly by the site you are visiting.
- Third-party cookies — set by other companies whose code runs on the site (for example, analytics or advertising providers).
- Session cookies — deleted automatically when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies — remain on your device for a set period.
2. Our approach: privacy-first
Smila takes a deliberately minimal approach to cookies and tracking. We do not use:
- Advertising or marketing cookies
- Cross-site tracking cookies
- Third-party analytics that identify you personally (no Google Analytics, no Facebook Pixel, no TikTok Pixel)
- Behavioural profiling tools
This means you should see no cookie consent banner asking you to accept tracking on this site, because there is no tracking to consent to.
3. Cookies and similar technologies we do use
3.1 Strictly necessary
We use a small number of strictly necessary cookies that allow basic functionality of the site. These are exempt from consent requirements under UK PECR rules because the site cannot function properly without them.
- Hosting/security cookies set by our hosting provider (Vercel) to protect against fraud and ensure the site loads correctly. These are typically session-only.
3.2 Aggregate analytics (cookieless)
We may use Vercel's built-in analytics service, which measures aggregate page views and performance metrics without using cookies and without storing personally identifiable information. Visitor data is anonymised on collection. Because it does not use cookies or track individuals, consent is not required under UK PECR or UK GDPR.
4. Third-party tools
When you click an external link on the Site — for example, our Calendly booking page, Instagram, Facebook, or Stripe payment links (if applicable) — that third party may set its own cookies according to its own policies. We have no control over these cookies. Please review the relevant third-party policy:
5. How to control or delete cookies
You can control or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Most browsers let you:
- View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
- Block third-party cookies
- Block cookies from particular sites
- Block all cookies (note this may affect site functionality)
- Delete all cookies when you close your browser
Browser-specific instructions:
6. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal that asks websites not to track you. Because we do not perform individual user tracking in the first place, our practices are equivalent to honouring DNT by default.
7. Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy if we change the tools we use. If we introduce any cookies that require consent (for example, if we ever add third-party analytics or advertising), we will update this page and present a cookie consent banner before such cookies are set.
The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will always reflect the current version.
8. Contact
Questions about cookies or how we handle your data? Email info@smila.uk.