Bloom Orthodontics & Bloom Smile Studio

Pricing & Planning

BracesPaymentPlansandUsingYourHSAorFSAforBraces

Written by Dr. Judy Nguyen

Reviewed by Dr. Thao Vu

·

October 9, 2026

How to pay for braces at Bloom in Long Beach and Garden Grove: low and no-interest payment plans, HSA and FSA funds, and PPO insurance checked before you start.

Braces Payment Plans and Using Your HSA or FSA for Braces

Bloom offers low and no-interest payment plans, so you can start braces or clear aligners without a large upfront cost. You can also use HSA or FSA funds, because orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense under most of these accounts, and we provide the documentation you need. If you have PPO orthodontic insurance, we check your benefits before your first appointment.

You can combine these. This page explains how each one works and how they fit together.

Three Ways to Pay at Bloom

Option What it does What to know
Monthly payment plan Spreads your fee over the months of treatment Low and no-interest plans. Terms are set at your free consultation
HSA or FSA Pays with pre-tax dollars you set aside Orthodontic treatment is eligible under most plans. Bloom provides the paperwork
PPO orthodontic insurance Pays part of the fee, often up to a lifetime maximum Bloom accepts most PPO orthodontic plans and verifies benefits first

How Bloom's Payment Plans Work

Our payment plans are in-house, with low and no-interest options built around your budget. We go over the terms at your complimentary consultation, once your board-certified orthodontist has reviewed your case and you know your fee.

Bloom's fees are set after an exam. The ranges published on our service pages are $3,500 to $6,000 for most adult clear aligner cases, $4,000 to $5,500 for clear braces, $4,000 to $6,000 for lingual braces, and $3,500 to $6,000 for adult orthodontics overall. Traditional metal braces are $3,500 to $5,500. Teen orthodontics is $3,500 to $5,500, and Phase 1 is typically $2,500 to $3,500. A payment plan turns that total into a monthly amount you can plan around.

Using an HSA for Braces

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-favored account you can open if you have a high-deductible health plan. IRS Publication 502 lists braces among the dental expenses that count as medical care, and Publication 969 explains that HSA funds can pay qualified medical expenses for you, your spouse, and your dependents.

For 2026, the IRS caps HSA contributions at $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. Unused HSA money stays in the account from year to year, so you can save ahead of treatment.

Using an FSA for Braces

A health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is offered through your employer and funded from your paycheck before taxes. For plan years starting in 2026, the IRS limits health FSA salary reductions to $3,400. Your employer may allow a grace period or a carryover of up to $680, and unused money beyond that is generally lost.

Because of that deadline, timing matters. If you plan to start treatment next year, you can raise your FSA election during open enrollment to match what you expect to pay that year. Ask your plan administrator how it handles orthodontic treatment that is paid in installments.

Stacking Insurance, HSA or FSA, and a Payment Plan

The usual order is simple:

  1. Insurance first. We verify your PPO orthodontic benefits before your first appointment, so you know what your plan expects to pay.
  2. HSA or FSA next. Use pre-tax funds toward the remaining balance.
  3. Payment plan for the rest. Spread what is left over the months of treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists notes that orthodontic insurance covers a portion or percentage of the fee, often with a specific dollar amount or lifetime cap. Your HSA or FSA can cover costs your insurance does not.

Before Your Consultation

Questions to ask

  1. What is my total fee, and what does it include?
  2. How much will my insurance pay, and when?
  3. What would my monthly payment be, and is there interest?
  4. Can I pay part of the fee with my HSA or FSA card?
  5. What documentation will I need for my HSA or FSA administrator?

Bring your insurance card and your HSA or FSA details. Our team can check your benefits before your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bloom offer payment plans for braces?

Yes. We offer low and no-interest payment plans so you can start treatment without a large upfront cost. We discuss the options at your complimentary consultation.

Can I use my HSA for braces?

Yes, under most plans. Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense under most Health Savings Accounts, and IRS Publication 502 lists braces as a qualifying dental expense. We provide the documentation you need.

Can I use my FSA for braces?

Yes, under most plans. Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense under most Flexible Spending Accounts. For 2026 plan years, the IRS limits health FSA contributions to $3,400, so check your election and your plan's deadline.

Can I use an HSA or FSA for my child's braces?

IRS Publication 969 allows HSA funds to pay qualified medical expenses for your dependents. Check with your plan administrator for FSA rules on dependents.

Can I combine insurance, an FSA, and a payment plan?

Yes. You can use insurance first, then HSA or FSA funds, then a payment plan for the remaining balance. We go over how they fit together at your consultation.

Do you accept my insurance?

We accept most PPO orthodontic insurance plans and verify your benefits before your first appointment. Not sure about your plan? Call us and we will check for you.

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