How Much Do Braces Cost for Teens in Long Beach and Garden Grove?

Teen orthodontics at Bloom costs $3,500 to $5,500. Your teen's exact fee depends on the treatment you choose and how complex the case is, and we set it after a free consultation and exam at our Long Beach or Garden Grove office.

Most comprehensive teen treatment starts once most permanent teeth are in, typically between ages 11 and 14, and most teen cases take 12 to 24 months. This page breaks down the fee, what moves it, and how families lower their share.

Teen Treatment Options at Bloom

Option	What it is
Traditional metal braces	Stainless steel brackets and a wire
Clear (ceramic) braces	Tooth-colored brackets and white wires
Lingual braces	Brackets bonded to the back of the teeth
Clear aligners	Removable clear trays worn most of the day

Our teen orthodontics page explains each option and when it fits.

What Moves a Teen's Fee

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says cost depends on the type, complexity, and duration of treatment. For teens, that usually means:

The appliance. Which option fits your teen's case affects the fee.
The bite. Crowding and spacing usually take less work than an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
Earlier treatment. Some children have Phase 1 treatment between ages 7 and 10. Most still need a second, comprehensive phase as teens, though it is often simpler. See early interceptive treatment.

How Families Lower the Cost

Dental insurance. We accept most PPO orthodontic insurance plans and verify your benefits before your first appointment. The AAO notes that plans may set lifetime maximums or age limits for orthodontic coverage, so check your plan's age limit before treatment starts.

HSA or FSA funds. IRS Publication 502 lists braces among the dental expenses that count as medical care, so orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense under most HSA and FSA plans.

Payment plans. We offer low and no-interest monthly plans and go over the terms at your consultation. See insurance and financing.

Programs for kids with financial need. The AAO lists Gifted Smiles, Smiles Change Lives, and Smile for a Lifetime as programs that treat children under 18 at low or no cost.

Medi-Cal. Bloom does not accept Medi-Cal. If Medi-Cal turns down orthodontic treatment because your teen does not qualify on the state's HLD scoring sheet, we can still treat your teen in our office with in-house payment plans. Our Medi-Cal braces guide explains how that works.

Teen Orthodontics Near You

Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists who see teens at both offices:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do braces cost for a teenager at Bloom?

Teen orthodontics at Bloom costs $3,500 to $5,500. The exact fee is set after a free consultation and exam.

Does dental insurance cover braces for teens?

Many PPO plans pay part of the fee up to a lifetime maximum. We verify your teen's benefits before the first appointment so you know your share.

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

Under most plans, yes. IRS Publication 502 counts braces as a medical expense, and we can provide the paperwork your plan administrator asks for.

Do we need a referral from our dentist?

No. Children can see us without a dentist referral.

Sources

American Association of Orthodontists, How Much Do Braces Cost?
Internal Revenue Service, Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses
Bloom teen care and financing: Teen orthodontics, Early interceptive treatment, Insurance and financing

Ready for your teen's exact fee? Book a free consultation at our Long Beach or Garden Grove office.

HowMuchDoBracesCostforTeensinLongBeachandGardenGrove?