About Us
About Our Practice
Welcome to Life Dental & Orthodontics, the premier dental and orthodontic practice in Walnut Creek, CA. We are proud to offer a wide range of services, including airway orthodontics and comprehensive general dentistry, tailored to the unique needs of our patients. Our collaborative care model is the cornerstone of our approach, where we work closely with a handpicked team of specialists. This team includes myofunctional therapists to address muscle-related oral issues, ENT specialists for ear, nose, and throat concerns, sleep medical doctors for sleep-related disorders, physical therapists for comprehensive oral health, oral surgeons for complex procedures, and periodontists for specialized gum care. With our unwavering commitment, you can trust us to provide you with the highest standard of consultation and treatment, ensuring a significant improvement in your dental health and overall quality of life.
History – Established in 1959
Dr. Brian Hockel:
"My dad, Dr. Jack Hockel, is a retired dentist who practiced from 1959 to 2002. He taught me dental lab work when I was 17 years old, and I’ve been hooked ever since. He’s very meticulous and is a perfectionist, but has a love for people, and I think he gave me those genes. Our practice has combined reconstructive dentistry and orthodontics since the 60’s. I joined him in 1989, after graduating at the top of my UCSF class clinically.
We’re in a remodeled farm house that is next door to where I grew up. I knew Mr. and Mrs. Casey, the couple who lived in this house, and I’m grateful to be in such a beautiful and historic setting. We take pride in keeping the place comfortable.
My brother Steve works here too, in 'Hockel Dental Lab.' Many doctors depend on him for his high quality lab work.
We have evolved in the reconstruction arena by incorporating the state of the art in cosmetic results. In orthodontics, we’ve branched out with a focus on airway, both in kids and adults.
The future is bright – maybe one of my 11 kids will carry on the tradition!"