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How to Clean My Retainer

Posted on by Dr. Spain

You just finished your orthodontic treatment and had your braces removed. The doctor gives you a new retainer and you’re left with the question, “How do I clean my retainer?” Whether you had braces or Invisalign, you will need to wear a retainer for a period of time following treatment.

How to Clean Your Retainer

Although you will receive basic cleaning instructions with your retainer, we also have a few tips and tricks. You will also receive instructions from Spain Orthodontics about when and how to wear your retainer.

The purpose of the retainer is to make sure that the adjustments to your smile stay in place. Because your body has an internal memory system, your teeth may attempt to move back into their previous positions. Wearing a retainer after treatment keeps that from happening.

Just like cleaning your teeth with braces or Invisalign and keeping your tray aligners clean, it is important to keep your retainer clean. Proper care of orthodontic appliances extends their life and keeps icky bacteria from forming on the equipment.

Select the Method That Works Best for You

One method is using a soft toothbrush on your retainer. This should be done at least twice daily if you wear your retainer only at night. If you wear your retainer all day, you should lightly brush it, or at least rinse it very well, every time your brush your teeth. Additionally, you should soak your retainer daily for 10-30 minutes for deep cleaning and you can try this retainer cleaner which is easily found and easy to use without breaking the bank. Avoid soaking a retainer with metal components overnight as that can cause rust to form. One of the last methods is to use an ultrasonic dental cleaner that can easily clean most dental appliances that you will have during orthodontic treatment with Dr. Spain.

 

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There are many different ways to perform this necessary practice. It is important to note that your retainer is heat-sensitive. It should be cleaned in lukewarm, but not hot water to avoid damage.

Denture Tablets

Although they also make Retainer Tablets, denture tablets perform the same function. Some tablets can discolor the plastic parts of the retainer. Ask your orthodontist for their recommendation. Be sure to rinse the retainer after soaking and brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Baking Soda and Water

Using a small amount of baking soda, mix with enough water to create a paste. Gently brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush to cover the entire retainer. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.

An alternate method is to create a soak solution using about a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with about a half cup to a cup of lukewarm water. Allow the retainer to soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse and brush.

Vinegar and Water

Equal parts vinegar and lukewarm water is also an acceptable soak. Allow the retainer to soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse and brush thoroughly.

Mouthwash

If you have no other options, mouthwash can be used in a pinch. Soak your retainer for 2 to 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water and brush to remove debris and mouthwash.

If You Still Have Questions Call Spain Orthodontics

Dr. Christopher Spain and his entire staff want to see your treatment be a success. They are a knowledgeable team that loves to see the result of their work in your straight and healthy smile. If you have questions about your treatment or your new retainer, please contact the office.

Patients may use the Contact Form, or these alternate ways to contact the office:

Phone/Text: (206) 693-3123
Email: braceyourself@spainortho.com

For more information, news, and updates, please check our Orthodontic Blog, Instagram, and Facebook.

Invisalign or Braces?

Posted on by Dr. Spain

Sometimes deciding between Invisalign or braces is pretty easy. Other times the patient wants all the pros and cons of both treatment types. They want a complete cost breakdown, and all the information they can gather. We get it. Invisalign and braces are both quite an investment. Although this won’t be a deep dive into these two treatments, we will cover the important facts.

Invisalign or Braces? Checking the Differences

What are braces? We all know. Braces are the metal brackets and wires that gangly teens used to get stuck in for many years. On a happy note, they’re not that bad anymore. Although they still function the same and include brackets and wires. However, the brackets are now much smaller. The smaller size makes them more comfortable overall, and less noticeable.

There are also options for clear brackets that allow the natural coloration of your teeth to show.  They remain one of the most effective orthodontic treatment methods and are still widely used. There are even options to use colored elastics on your braces to make them match your school colors!

Are they uncomfortable? Yes, unfortunately, for the first several days after getting braces, you will probably experience some minor discomfort. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the brackets and how they rub on the soft tissue, that discomfort will disappear. The first day or two after adjustments, some discomfort may return. This is normally short-lived, though.

Invisalign hasn’t been around for as long, but since its introduction, this has become a very popular treatment method. The Invisalign system consists of a series of almost invisible tray aligners. Tray sets progress in a sequence of changes to gently shift teeth into the correct positions. Patients switch to new trays approximately every two weeks.

There is a slight adjustment period for the trays, which may cause a temporary lisp when speaking. There will be minor discomfort as the trays apply gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them. When switching to a new set of trays, the first couple of days may be slightly uncomfortable.

Making the Decision — Final Thoughts

Although the orthodontist may recommend one or the other depending on your malocclusion, you will probably have a choice between Invisalign or braces.

 

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When you evaluate the cost breakdown, you will find that the two treatments are very close in cost, although braces are slightly less expensive. Some of the additional cost with Invisalign is offset with fewer in-office appointments and time savings.

The duration of treatment with traditional braces may be slightly quicker than Invisalign, as it can be a more aggressive treatment. Invisalign requires few, if any, dietary changes. Braces do come with a list of types of foods to avoid.

If low-profile correction is what you seek, Invisalign or Clear Braces will work nicely. If you just want straight teeth and price is more important than aesthetics, traditional braces will serve you well.

Our final comparison is with oral care. It is more difficult to brush and floss with braces than with Invisalign. You must brush the brackets and wires thoroughly, using special brushes to reach all tooth surfaces. Flossing around wires can also be more difficult. With Invisalign, since the trays are removable, brushing and flossing are much easier.

Whether you select Invisalign or braces, you can be sure that you will receive premium care at Spain Orthodontics. Dr. Spain and the entire staff dedicate themselves to providing quality orthodontic care in a comfortable environment.

Contact Spain Orthodontics Today

New patients can set up an appointment using our online Appointment app. Appointments can also be requested by calling or texting (206) 693-3123. Our staff is always happy to assist with questions and appointments.

Please visit and like our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook!

Clear Aligners Shoreline, WA

Posted on by Dr. Spain

When looking for Clear Aligners in Shoreline, WA, Spain, Orthodontics should be your first choice. Combining a state-of-the-art facility with a personable and friendly staff means great patient orthodontic care. Great care results in great smiles.

What is Invisalign

Invisalign in Shoreline is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable clear aligners to straighten teeth. This treatment is available in Spain and is offered by orthodontists trained in the Invisalign system. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a discreet option for people self-conscious about wearing braces. The clear aligners are also removable, which makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. If you’re interested in Invisalign, speak with your orthodontist in Spain to determine if it fits your needs well.

Invisalign benefits

One of the critical advantages of Invisalign is the sensitivity of the clear aligners. Contrary to traditional braces, the clear aligners used in Invisalign are almost undetectable, making them a popular alternative for adults who are self-conscious about wearing metal braces. The clear aligners are also easy to remove for eating, brushing, and flossing, making them a convenient option for patients with busy schedules.

Invisalign aligners are renowned for being comfortable in addition to being discreet. The smooth plastic material of the aligners is gentle on the cheeks and gums, and there are no wires or brackets to chafe or cause pain.

Another advantage of using clear Invisalign over conventional orthodontics is the shorter length of treatment. Even though each patient’s treatment plan is unique, Invisalign Treatment for All Ages

Our office is near the I-5 corridor, making it convenient to Shoreline and all surrounding areas. Three basic principles mark a good orthodontist:

Clear Aligners Shoreline, Wa

Invisalign Treatment for All Ages

Our office is near the I-5 corridor, making it convenient to Shoreline and all surrounding areas. There are three basic principles that mark a good orthodontist:

  • Comfortable treatment
  • Fast results
  • Affordability

Working on those three principles, Spain Orthodontics tailors treatment for each patient. To add to that, we offer affordable payment arrangements and accept a wide variety of insurance plans.

Spain Orthodontics works with patients of all ages, from children to adults. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven for an early evaluation. Although most children don’t require early treatment (Phase 1), this early evaluation can help determine if the need exists.

Each patient is an active part of their treatment plan. This begins at the initial consultation and continues throughout the duration of the treatment period. With regular consultations, patients are aware of every necessary step along the path to a great smile. No surprises. No hidden fees. Everything is upfront at Spain Orthodontics.

Invisalign in Shoreline, WA

Invisalign treatment in Shoreline begins with a complimentary initial consultation. After evaluating your teeth, jawline, and bite path, Dr. Spain will develop several treatment options. Our staff will explain each plan in full, including the length of treatment and the total expected cost. This will allow you to select the best treatment type for your lifestyle and budget.

Invisalign

 

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Every treatment plan at Spain Orthodontics is custom fit for individual patients. Whether you are a parent seeking treatment for a child or an adult seeking treatment for yourself, Dr. Spain can help. After the complimentary consultation, Dr. Spain will develop a treatment plan to straighten any smile

In many instances, the recommendation will be for Invisalign treatment. This almost invisible tray alignment system has been very effective in correcting malocclusions for more than 20 years. As a Gold-level Invisalign provider, Dr. Spain has been very successful using Invisalign with his patients.

Contact Spain Orthodontics for Information

If you are seeking a qualified orthodontist that is great with patients of all ages, Dr. Spain is an excellent choice. His entire staff believes in creating a fun, safe, and comfortable environment. This helps to keep patients relaxed and at ease, which makes treatment more enjoyable.

To begin your smile transformation, you may use our Virtual Consultation form to upload images of your smile. Our staff will examine your ideas and contact you with the results. If you are ready to set an in-office appointment, please use our Appointment Request application for a date and time. Our appointment coordinator will contact you to verify.

Please check our orthodontic blog for more information about Clear Aligners in Shoreline, WA. We’re also on Facebook and Instagram — Follow us for news, information, updates, and fun stuff.

Fall in Love with Your New Smile by next Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Dr. Spain

Valentine’s Day just passed. Now we march toward St. Patrick’s Day and look forward to spring baseball. This is the perfect time to make plans to fall in love with your new smile for next Valentine’s Day. We hear you — you’re thinking that you don’t have a new smile yet. Add emphasis to the “yet.” Spain Orthodontics can help you discover your new smile.

Why Worry About Next Year Already?

The answer is simple. Orthodontics takes time. Although some treatment plans can be as short as six months, the average treatment plan is 12 to 18 months. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to begin planning now for next year. While there are accelerated treatment plans available, we can’t determine if those are suitable for you until after our initial examination.

 

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Your smile is like your signature. It can immediately open doors. It is how people remember you. Making your smile memorable is what we do here at Spain Orthodontics.

Planning Your Orthodontic Treatment

Planning for your next Valentine’s Day makes perfect sense. Whether you plan to have a date or not, improving your smile can be a life-changing experience. Whatever your reason for seeking orthodontic care, setting goals is an important part of a successful treatment plan. Let’s start by examining the types of treatment available.

Invisalign: By far the most popular treatment, this invisible tray alignment system is good for correcting almost all malocclusions. The cost is comparable to both traditional metal braces and clear (ceramic) braces.

Traditional braces: The most well-known type of orthodontic treatment. Using smaller brackets, our Empower Braces are self-litigating and more streamlined than older versions. They are still quite visible.

Clear braces: Ceramic braces work exactly like traditional braces, but they use a clear, ceramic bracket that blends with your natural tooth coloration. If you are not able to use Invisalign, clear braces are the next best thing to a low-profile treatment.

Whatever type of treatment you select, Spain Orthodontic will have you beaming within the shortest time possible. So, get a jump start on your Valentine’s Day for next year by contacting Spain today!

Fall in Love with Your New Smile by next Valentine’s Day

If you’re ready to fall in love with your new smile for next Valentine’s Day, contact Spain Orthodontics. We can get you on your way to having the perfect smile of your dreams. We can’t guarantee it will land you a date, but your chocolate will still taste great.

You can begin with a virtual consultation right now. All you need is a cell phone with a camera. Follow the prompts on our online virtual consultation page to upload your photos. Our staff will evaluate your smile and schedule you for an in-office examination.

You can schedule online today using our secure appointment request app. Alternately, you can call us at (206) 693-3123 or email us at braceyourself@spainortho.com. Our staff looks forward to hearing from you.

Don’t forget to stop by our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. We post updates, fun stuff, and general information about orthodontic care.

Clear Braces in Shoreline WA

Posted on by Dr. Spain

Many people are seeking Clear Braces in Shoreline, WA as an alternative to both traditional metal braces and Invisalign. In order to understand why the popularity of this orthodontic treatment is increasing, we should explore how Clear Braces work. We’ll also take a look at how they compare to metal braces and Invisalign.

What are Clear Braces and How do They Work?

Clear Braces work just like traditional braces, using brackets, wires, and rubber bands. With traditional braces, the brackets are stainless steel. Clear Braces use ceramic brackets, which are clear and allow the natural coloring of your teeth to show. They are often used with white wires, which are less noticeable than regular wires.

The aesthetic draw of Clear Braces is obvious. They are less conspicuous than traditional metal braces. They offer all the advantages of braces without the glaring metal staring at you in the mirror. For adults, they are a viable alternative to braces and Invisalign.

 

 

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Teens like Clear Braces because of the lower-profile appearance. But there’s a twist that makes them even more exciting for teens. By adding colored rubber bands, teens can support school spirit, their favorite sports team, or just add a pop of color to match a prom outfit. The bands are changed with each adjustment, so teens can change the color of their braces fairly often.

Clear Braces vs. Metal Braces vs. Invisalign

Clear Braces are just as effective in straightening teeth as traditional braces. The brackets are not quite as rough-and-tumble, so patients do need to be even more careful with the types of foods they eat, and while brushing and flossing. They are slightly higher in cost than traditional braces. Treatment times and procedures will be similar whether you opt for either type of braces.

Invisalign is a popular alternative, especially with adults, because of its near-invisibility. While undergoing Invisalign treatment, many people will not even realize that a person is wearing the tray aligners. The ability to remove the aligner trays for eating means fewer dietary restrictions with Invisalign. On a cost scale, Invisalign is slightly higher than Clear Braces but is comparable to both Clear and traditional braces.

When weighing the differences, the largest factor is how they look during treatment. Braces are very prominent, Clear Braces less noticeable, and Invisalign almost invisible. The effectiveness of all three treatments is proven. Although braces have been around since the time time of mummies, Invisalign is relatively new. After its introduction in 1999, Invisalign has made fast progress and now provides similar results.

If you’re ready to discuss your options for Clear Braces or another treatment type, please contact Spain Orthodontics.

Spain Orthodontics has Clear Braces in Shoreline, WA

Spain Orthodontics is a family orthodontist offering services in and around Shoreline, WA. We use Empower appliances, which are self-litigating braces (metal and clear). Whether you choose traditional metal braces, Invisalign, or Clear Braces in Shoreline, WA, you can be assured that Spain Orthodontics will provide you the best care.

Contacting Spain Orthodontics is simple. You can begin with a virtual consultation without even leaving your home! If you have questions or would like to call us directly, our number is (206) 693-3123. Our email is braceyourself@spainortho.com. No matter how you choose to contact Spain Orthodontics, our friendly staff will help you get set up.

We are also on Instagram and Facebook. Please look us up for information, updates, and fun stuff.

 

Cost of Invisalign in Shoreline WA

Posted on by Dr. Spain

Being honest about the cost of Invisalign in Shoreline WA is why Spain Orthodontics has so many satisfied patients. We know that braces and Invisalign can be an expense. With that in mind, we do everything possible to make sure that Invisalign fits into your budget.

Why the Cost of Invisalign in Shoreline WA Varies

We can’t give you an exact cost for your Invisalign treatment because every treatment is individualized. The average price is between $5,500 and $7,000, and we base the cost on several factors:

  • How long it will take to correct your alignment
  • How many tray sets your treatment period requires
  • If you have additional orthodontic problems that require care
  • Whether your insurance will offset any of the cost
  • If you participate in health saving plans

 

We have a handy calculator tool on our website to help you figure out your treatment’s approximate monthly cost. Dr. Spain will explain your personalized treatment plan, including costs, after your initial examination. Staff will also discuss payment options with you and set up a payment plan if needed.

If you have only minor alignment issues, your treatment plan could be as short as 6 months. The average treatment period for most patients is 12 to 18 months. The length of your treatment plan affects the cost.

How Spain Orthodontics Makes Invisalign Affordable

Spain Orthodontics is in the business of making perfect smiles. It’s what we do. Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as snapping our fingers and *POOF* you have a great smile. It takes time and selecting a treatment method that fits within your busy life and your budget. Dr. Spain and his staff work with each patient to make Invisalign treatment affordable.

As in-network providers for both Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier, we file insurance paperwork for you. We also work with almost all major insurance carriers. Dental insurance is a great way to offset Invisalign’s cost, and our staff makes sure you get the most out of your policy. We will discuss the process of filing insurance during your complimentary consultation.

 

 

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Health saving plans are another way to offset the cost of Invisalign. If you participate through your employment, ask how much can apply toward Invisalign treatment. Some programs may cover the entire amount, but others cap the amount you can use toward non-emergency orthodontic care.

Spain Orthodontics can also set up monthly payment plans for you. The average payments range from $99 to $129 monthly but may vary depending on your individualized treatment plan. Spain Orthodontics also offers a full payment discount if you pay-in-full at the beginning of your treatment. With our goal of helping you obtain a perfect smile, we don’t want to make you frown at the cost.

Make Your Appointment Today

If you are ready to embark on a mission to create your perfect smile, email, or call Spain Orthodontics. to set up your initial consultation. Our office is centered around making patients comfortable. Contact us today to get started and set up your initial consultation.

Email: braceyourself@spainortho.com

Phone: (206) 693-3123

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With Spain Orthodontics, you are a partner in your treatment.

 

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Posted on by Dr. Spain

If you need braces, or already have them, you need to be conscious of what you eat. You will receive a list of foods to avoid with braces. While that may seem very restrictive and limiting, it isn’t that bad. In a previous blog post, we covered many of the foods you can eat with braces. Today we will help you determine what foods may fall into the risky category.

Why What You Eat is Important

Although the brackets and wires for your braces are strong enough to move your teeth, they are also very easy to damage. With that in mind, the biggest adjustment is learning what foods to avoid with braces.

Brushing will be different. Flossing will be different. The way your mouth feels will be different. Eating will be different, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Nobody likes pain. While we try to make the process as pain-free as possible, braces will cause you some discomfort. Most of this will be the initial shifting of your teeth. The inside of your mouth may be sensitive to the brackets and wires, causing pressure sensitivity. Most of the initial discomfort will go away within the first couple of days. During that period, you may develop a fondness for mashed potatoes.

Between the tenderness in your mouth and the fragility of the braces, watching what you eat is important. Although orthodontists do expect “emergencies” with broken wires and other problems, they do encourage trying to avoid them.

How to Remember Foods to Avoid with Braces

While you are at home, it is very easy to check the list we hope you posted on your refrigerator. But at school, or away from home, it isn’t as easy to know what foods to avoid with braces. Learning the types of foods that can be a problem will help you maintain a healthy diet and keep your braces in good repair.

On our list, we include many different foods by specific names, such as “apples” and “carrots.” To expand on that, you should also avoid similar foods in texture, such as pears and celery. Hard and crunchy foods can damage wires. If you do eat raw fruits and vegetables, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Small bites can be chewed using your molars (back teeth) rather than your incisors (front teeth). This small adjustment to how you eat causes less damage to the wires.

Under sticky foods — just avoid anything even remotely sticky and icky. The chance of getting it stuck in between your wires is high. This can cause extensive tooth decay. Sticky may also require a trip to the orthodontist. The wires will need removal, then teeth cleaning, and new wire. No sticky icky foods, please.

Chewy foods like gummy bears, taffy, and similar present many of the same problems as sticky stuff. Small particles can get trapped in the wires.

Likewise, you should avoid sweets such as sugary sodas, energy drinks, and high sugar cereals. These won’t damage your braces much, but they do cause tooth decay. While the occasional sweets won’t do massive harm, you should brush immediately after eating them. Use moderation. If you can’t brush immediately, rinse thoroughly with water or mouthwash.

Got Questions? We Have Answers

When wearing braces, everything you eat will touch the wires and brackets on your teeth. Being aware of that fact will make selecting foods easier.

If you still have questions, please be sure to ask us. You can call our office at (206) 693-3123, send us an email at braceyourself@spainortho.com, or use the online contact portal. Your dental health is important to us.

How to Choose the Best Orthodontist in Shoreline WA

Posted on by Dr. Spain

When it comes to finding an orthodontist to make your smile great, it is as easy as going to Spain. Not Spain the country, though. Spain Orthodontics is right here in your local community of Shoreline, WA. But how do you know Spain Orthodontics is the best orthodontist in Shoreline, WA?

Choose the Best Orthodontist in Shoreline WA

When you set out to choose the best orthodontist, you should be prepared with a list of questions. You should ask about the doctor, the practice, and everything else you can think of to ask. The reasoning behind that is sound. You want to know about insurance, office practices, safety regarding the current pandemic, and so much more.

Some of the questions we recommend:

  1. What insurance plans are accepted?
  2. Are there payment plans available, or other options?
  3. Does the practice have any real patient reviews?
  4. Is there a virtual option for the first consultation?
  5. Will the treatment plan be discussed completely before treatment starts?
  6. What credentials does the doctor hold?
  7. How easy is it to set up appointments online or by phone?
  8. Will questions receive prompt answers?
  9. What is the available options for braces?
  10. How long will the treatment period be?

We also recommend that you write (or type) your questions out before your first consultation. Even if you think a question is simple or basic, ask it anyway. This is your smile, and at Spain Orthodontics, we want it to be perfect for you.

What Makes Going to Spain the Best Choice?

Orthodontists are in the smile business and Dr. Christopher Spain is no exception. Using braces, retainers, and other alignment techniques, they work to correct your tooth and jaw alignment to make your smile awesome. Whether you have a small gap between your two front teeth or a jaw that is too small for your adult teeth. We can fix whatever is causing your smile to make you frown.

How To Choose The Best Orthodontist In Shoreline Wa

We create each treatment plan with you in mind and we tailor the plan to your needs. This allows us to provide optimal comfort during treatment and increases the speed from beginning treatment to final result.

By providing flexible payment options and working with your insurance carriers, we can manage to keep your orthodontic treatment affordable. That means working within your budget, so that reduces the stress of seeking treatment.

At Spain Orthodontics, we offer a complimentary initial consultation. This includes an evaluation of your teeth and bite pattern. We develop multiple treatment plan options for each patient to offer you a choice that works best for you. We use a special app to design and track payment options that work best for you too.

Our office has patients of all age ranges, including children, teens, and adults. Early treatment for adolescents age 7 to 12 can prevent many problems that might not be evident to you. We recommend using our free initial consultation to get your children on a course of great dental health from baby teeth to wisdom teeth.

Spain Orthodontics offers a wide variety of options if you need braces. Including everything from traditional metal and wire braces to state-of-the-art Invisalign alignment trays, we will tailor your treatment plan to your lifestyle.

You Don’t Need to Buy an Airline Ticket

At Spain Orthodontics, we personalize your care. Our office is comfortable (and fun), which decreases patient anxiety. You are an active part of the team at Spain and you will never feel left out during treatment. Our team will consult with you every step of the way from initial consultation to your final perfect smile.

Our office at 19929 Ballinger Way NE, Suite 201, Shoreline, WA, 98155 is conveniently located and easy to find. You can email for information at braceyourself@spainortho.com or phone the office at (206) 693-3123.

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Call/Text: (206) 693-3123
Fax: (206) 453-3994

19929 Ballinger Way NE Suite 201
Shoreline WA 98155