Pricing & Planning
HowMuchDoesaPalateExpanderCost?
Written by Dr. Thao Vu
Reviewed by Dr. Judy Nguyen
·October 28, 2026
At Bloom, a palate expander has no separate fee. It is part of Phase 1 early treatment, which costs $2,500 to $3,500 in Long Beach and Garden Grove. What the fee covers and how insurance helps.
At Bloom, a palate expander does not have its own price. It is part of Phase 1 early treatment, and Phase 1 costs $2,500 to $3,500, with your child's exact fee set after an exam.
That is because an expander is rarely the whole plan. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) lists palatal expansion as one of several Phase 1 approaches, alongside braces on certain teeth and growth-guidance appliances. Your child's fee covers the whole Phase 1 plan.
What Sets the Phase 1 Fee
The AAO says orthodontic costs depend on the type, complexity, and duration of treatment. For Phase 1 at Bloom, that means:
- Which appliances are needed. An expander alone, or an expander plus partial braces or another device.
- How long Phase 1 runs. Phase 1 at Bloom usually lasts 6 to 18 months.
- How many visits are needed to adjust and monitor the appliances.
Insurance and Other Ways to Pay
Insurance. Many insurance plans include Phase 1 orthodontic benefits. We accept most PPO orthodontic insurance plans and check your coverage before treatment starts.
HSA or FSA funds. The AAO notes that FSA and HSA funds can be used for orthodontic treatment.
Payment plans. Bloom offers low and no-interest monthly payment plans. See insurance and financing.
Medi-Cal. Bloom does not accept Medi-Cal. If Medi-Cal denies your child because they do not qualify on the HLD form, Bloom can still treat them in the office with in-house payment plans.
What Comes After Phase 1
Many children need a later Phase 2 with braces or aligners once their permanent teeth are in. Phase 2 is planned separately. At Bloom, teen orthodontics is $3,500 to $5,500. Our guide to Phase 1 orthodontics explains how the phases fit together.
Getting an Exact Fee
Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists who evaluate children at our Long Beach and Garden Grove offices. The first visit is free and includes X-rays, records, and a treatment simulation, and you do not need a dentist referral to book. If your child needs an expander, we explain why and give you the full Phase 1 fee before you decide.
Read more about how expanders work on our early treatment page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a palate expander cost at Bloom?
There is no separate expander fee. It is included in Phase 1, which is $2,500 to $3,500.
Why isn't the expander priced on its own?
An expander is usually one part of a Phase 1 plan that may include other appliances and regular visits. The fee covers the whole plan.
Does insurance cover a palate expander?
Many plans include Phase 1 orthodontic benefits. We verify your coverage before treatment starts.
Does Bloom accept Medi-Cal for expanders?
No. If Medi-Cal denies your child on the HLD form, Bloom can still treat them in the office with in-house payment plans.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, 6 Facts About Two-Phase Treatment
- American Association of Orthodontists, How Much Do Braces Cost?
- American Association of Orthodontists, Payment and Insurance FAQs
- Bloom fees (Dr. Thao Vu, 2026-10-12, 2026-10-19, 2026-10-28) and details: Early interceptive treatment, Insurance and financing
Want your child's Phase 1 fee? Book a free consultation in Long Beach or Garden Grove.
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