Patient Reviews
Patient Reviews
If you are seeking a trusted dentist who listens to your concerns and is committed to protecting your oral health, look no further! Our profoundly experienced team at Life Dental & Orthodontics is excited to offer individuals in and around Walnut Creek, CA a range of dental services, from general and cosmetic dentistry to orthodontics. Throughout the years, our office has had the pleasure of receiving a number of endorsements from men and women of all ages who have witnessed our thoughtful care. We invite you to browse over our extensive selection of testimonials to read for yourself how compassionate care and steadfast commitment to dental health brought a smile to each of our patient's faces.
Reviews for Walnut Creek, CA Dentist Brian J. Hockel, DDS
"I want to give a shout-out to Rachel, who is an amazing hygienist. I have been with Life Dental for many years, long before the name of the practice changed. I have been treated by many hygienists over the years, all really wonderful, and Rachel is #1 on my ‘top 10’ list. She is thorough and extremely efficient - a super smart and skilled hygienist. Rachel takes time to get to know her patients - she remembers highlights in my life that she will ask me about at my next appointment, and she exhibits genuine interest. She is a thoughtful and caring person, and a true professional. In general, all services, from the front office to dental care provided by Life Dental are exemplary and I can’t recommend this dental practice more highly."
"I took my young boys to Life dental & Orthodontics because they were airway focused and that was really important for a family! We were mostly helped with Katie the RDA and she was so great with the boys made everything fun and super patient with them. I also really appreciated how in-depth Dr. Hockel explained everything to myself and our kids. My boys can get easily overwhelmed and he had such gentle and calm energy throughout the whole process! I really appreciated that! Highly recommend this team! :) Jessie at the front desk is also super helpful and sweet!"
"Life Dental has an excellent Dental staff! Everyone is friendly & accommodating. Please consider Life Dental & Orthodontist for your next visit."
"Absolutely love this place! Friendly and accommodating staff and I really appreciate Dr Hockel’s knowledge of what’s going on with not only my teeth, but how it all works together with my airway and everything else too!"
"I came to Doctor Hockel due to problems with sleep apnea. He diagnosed a narrow palate and some other issues that ultimately are obstructing my airway and recommended a course of palate expansion (upper and lower) before going for more extensive surgery to correct problems with my jaw. It's been really great working with him and his staff! They're all extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. They've answered every question I had and taken the time to explain what's being done each time (in what's going to be a couple-year-long process.) They're definitely using the latest tools and techniques and I feel completely comfortable with whatever they recommend. All in all, a *really* great dentist! [Edit from 2+ years in the future - 10/18/2023] I had my jaw surgery (total TMJ replacement and MMA (Maxillomandibular advancement, to move the upper teeth forward) in St Louis in May (via the only surgeon Dr Hockel trusts to do the surgery, who really is great) and returned to Dr Hockel's care in late June. Sleep apnea is cured, my bite was lined up and everything went well. Today was a great day - I got my braces off! We're now in the process of stabilizing the teeth with a retainer, but they look great and feel even better, with everything in my bite closing in the right places and all the teeth nice and straight and even. Dr Hockel's staff were awesome as usual - I showed up 20 minutes early and they said "come right in!" and we got to work. If you ever need to deal with airway issues (or indeed with orthodontia and other dental procedures), definitely give Life Dental and Orthodontics a call. They're the best!"
"I was referred to Dr Hockel and his staff for braces and a spacer, to get my mouth aligned for a major reconstructive jaw/airway surgery. Wow, just WOW! Dr Hockel is also an airway specialist and takes Ortho to another level I did not know we existed! He and his team are amazing and I actually look forward to going in for my appointments. I cannot recommend this place highly enough!"
"We had a hygiene appointment with Rachel and, as always, we were pleased with her services. The office is busy, pleasant and efficient. We'll certainly be returning to Life Dental & Orthodonticts in the future for our dental care.."
"I was very impressed with Dr. Ching and the staff. I will be having a lot done and feel confident I’m in very good hands."
"I’ve been a patient of Life Dental since around 1976, first as a patient of Dr. Jack Hockel, then Dr. Jack and his son, Dr. Brian Hockel, and now Dr. Ching, an associate dentist with Dr. Brian under the new business name, Life Dental and Orthodontics. My experience with what I call the Hockel team has been nothing but exceptional. The quality of their work is outstanding - all services from reception, to dental hygiene (shoutout for Rachel!), to restorative care...I’ve had it all. I recently had a filling redone by Dr. Ching, my first visit with her, and she was wonderful - very gentle, checked in periodically to make sure I was doing ok, and shared some parts of the procedure she was doing along the way. I felt like an artist was performing the work and, indeed, when given a mirror, the result was amazing. The spot was on a front tooth and it looked like I had a new tooth. I can’t recommend this practice more highly. One visit and you feel like the most important patient in the practice."
"Everyone is nice and friendly. Came in for cleaning and had no problems. Very gentle on gums and teeth. Left feeling great! Thank you!"
"I was incredibly impressed by Dr. Hockel and his team. Not only is this a very well run outfit, but the approach he takes is very holistic and he takes into consideration things like air way and sleep quality! Unfortunately this kind of broad thinking isn’t widely available in conventional orthodontics/dentistry, which makes this business a rare find!"
"What a team! I drove 6 hours round trip, past many dentists/orthodontists to have Dr. Hockel evaluate my airway and discuss options. I am a dentist. I care and appreciate that he also cares."
"Staff was very courteous & efficient. Rachel did an amazing job cleaning my teeth."
"Excellent dentist, staff and facility. If you are looking for a supportive, knowledgeable and caring dentist and amazing team look no further. Been going here for 27 years now and highly recommend Dr. Hockel and his team. Have had 3 kids...braces, emergencies...this group of dental health care providers have been here for all of us. 5 stars!"
"I found this dental office online I called them to see if they could make a partial denture for my upper teeth in and emergency situation because I've lost mine. They not only got me in the same day but took the imprints and had my partials being made should be back within a week where it would of taken at least 90 days somewhere else I was so happy I would recommend this this dentist office to anybody absolutely outstanding!!"
"They are thorough and kind. The setting is like a visit with family and all the staff make you feel like a friend. The handicap access and the comfortable waiting room add lots. It’s more than a trip for dental care. They care."
"Amazing friendly environment instead of feeling inside of an office, staff is really nice, had braces done took 2.5 years and I’m very pleased with the result."
"Dr. Ching, Dr. Hockel, Rachel, and the others who have helped me for the past few years at Life Dental have always been prompt, attentive, professional, thorough, and pleasant. My sisters saw Dr. Jack Hockel for braces in the 90’s. I first saw Dr. Brian Hockel and Dr. Michaela Ching in 2019 when I needed a root canal. Dr Hockel replied promptly to my after hours online inquiry about pain that had flared up and Dr. Ching got me what I needed after that. I recommend them gladly and without hesitation."
"As elderly patients we have a special appreciation for the efficient and timely advantages we have enjoyed in Life Dental and Orthodontics. The office seems always able to accommodate our need for dental carel care to the unpredictabletable demands of our other health care issues. More than care for us senior citizens, they took care of our children and, today are taking care of our children's children, offering a full range of age-appropriate, highest-quality dental care to three generations of our family, all under the same roof. Our family has had braces to bridges, croates to crowns, and every one a work of art and genuine technical excellence. My wife and I recommend Life Dental and Orthodonics to anyone who insists on excellence in care and perfection in results."
"Went in for a hygiene appointment and x rays. Everyone in the office was professional and nice! I appreciated how my hygienist Rachel continuously checked in with me while I got my teeth cleaned. It had been years since my last cleaning and I was nervous about it, but she really made me feel at ease. Thanks, Dr. Hockel's office!"
"Dr. Hockel and his staff are very knowledgeable and professional. His caring and honest approach to dental care is refreshing and comforting. We were grateful for his in depth explanation as he educated us about my treatment options. Our questions were encouraged and answered promoting our understanding. I look forward to working with Dr. Hockey’s office for my treatment."
"Absolutely recommend these amazing people that make this business flourish! I was in need of an emergency wire cutting for my braces because it was poking the inside of my mouth. I came across Life Dental & Orthodontics by a simple Google search and completely satisfied I did! Extremely helpful, proactive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff made this a pleasant experience! I'm looking for a new Dentist and Orthopedic specialist and now I have found what I was looking for! A special thank you for the team here,Danny B"
"As always, I received friendly, kind, and excellent service from the entire staff. Life Dental and Ortho is not only on the cutting edge of Airway Orthodontics, they practice in a beautiful, peaceful “homey” setting, which adds to both the comfort and satisfaction in their services."
"Dr. Brian Hockel and his father Dr. Jack Hockel have both been lifesavers for me. I first became acquainted with this practice over 25 years ago. At the time I was a teenager who had recently completed my second phase of braces with another orthodontist. Even though my smile looked wonderful, the orthodontic treatment I received elsewhere left me with an unfortunate TMJ issue with constant popping and headaches. I recall visiting about half a dozen TMJ specialists, a medical doctor and a chiropractor. I had been given different devices, exercises and therapies to try to alleviate my TMJ, yet nothing worked and none of the specialists I had seen could seem to figure out how to resolve my TMJ issue. I remember feeling hopeless and frustrated. One of the specialists I saw referred me to Dr. Jack Hockel. I still remember so clearly that within minutes of visiting with Dr. Hockel, he knew exactly what was causing my TMJ and how to fix it! He gave me a device that adjusted my bite slightly over the course of about 9 months and this completely resolved my TMJ! Fast forward to the present. Some of my teeth shifted over the past 10 years so I decided to undergo new orthodontic treatment to move them back into place. Since I had moved out of the area, I found a local orthodontist to handle my treatment. The new ortho treatment moved my teeth back into a position that again resulted in the same TMJ issue from 25 years ago! I felt like I was reliving a bad nightmare. I figured Dr. Jack Hockel had retired but thought maybe someone had taken over his practice. To my nice surprise, I found that his son, Dr. Brian Hockel had taken over! Like his father, Dr. Brian Hockel, immediately knew what was causing my TMJ and how to fix it. I am so thankful for him. I highly recommend him and his team of professionals. I feel like his approach to orthodontics is much more wholistic in the sense that he takes into account not only the aesthetic aspect of orthodontics but also considers bite, airway and well-being of the individual. He is genuine and I could tell he really cares about me as a patient. I highly recommend him."
"My husband and I have gone to the Hockel practice for almost 50 years. That said, I have full confidence in the care provided. My appointment today was with Rachel for cleaning. She was very friendly, concerned for my comfort, and thorough with her cleaning and Covid19 protocols. With the care I have received over the years, I am happy to say my teeth are still in great shape!"
"Consistent, personalized dental care."
"As another dental professional, I can only say wonderful things about Dr Hockel and his staff. I know what is excellent dental treatmen and what is not. Dr Hockel strives to for excellence and his staff is caring, honest and professional. I know when a dentist stays abreast of everything happening in dentistry. I knew when I first meet Dr Hockel that his patients were is great hands and if I performed work on his patients they would receive the best dental care possible after my treatment. I am a dentist that specializes in root canals. His expertise and care is incredible. Dr Hockel's staff treats their patients with care and respect. I feel part of his family. I grew up on a small farm in the midwest without fluoride and good dental care. Due to this I have had my share of dental problems. Yes, as dentist we can have dental issues. Dr Hockel has been able to help me with these issues and I am say I am proud of my smile. Dr Hockel's brother runs the dental lab and has made most of my crowns. His diligence towards perfection is wonderful. Thank you to Dr Hockel, his staff and his brother."
"Dr. Hockel and his staff are exceptional. The office is welcoming, pleasant, and run like a well oiled machine. Their bedside manner is second to none and I am so impressed with Dr. Hockel’s depth of knowledge. He doesn’t just focus on teeth. He transforms his patient’s entire jaw structure to help them breathe better and sleep better, consequently giving them a healthier lifestyle. My daughter just got her braces off yesterday and not only is her smile gorgeous but her profile as well. I can’t recommend them highly enough!"
"My 14 year old daughter was in for a cleaning. Turns out she has 4 small cavities. She got in the car and burst into tears. I thought she was upset about the cavities, I was wrong. I’m disappointed to report there were some assumptions made about her diet. She’s gained weight due to struggling with severe depression and not participating in her normal activities (swim and dance) and is struggling with a binge eating disorder. The assumptions were she eats candy and drinks soda. Neither of which she does. I’m reminding people to be more aware when talking to teens. My 14 year old felt judged and devalued. I’m confident the hygienist didn’t intend to be insensitive."
"Professional, friendly, feels like you're in very good hands. I have to drive for 45 minutes for cleanings but it's worth it."
"I dare you to find a better experience. Dr. Hockel's clinic is world class in dentistry, orthodontics, and orthotropics."
"Everyone on the staff is very caring while being very professional. The cleaning is thorough yet gentle."
"I pass at least 12 dentist offices on the way to Dr Brian Hockel’s and I don’t mind paying the little more for excellent care over a cheaper dentist that hasn’t developed his skills and attention to detail. You as a patient are also expected to care better for your teeth with flossing, brushing, water pic and oral rinse in order to keep gum health. While most offices don’t track or inform patients of bleeding points at cleanings, at Dr Hockel’s it’s like your report card. Going from a first visit at 65 bleeding points to 1 and most 3 or under shows that the health of my teeth and gums is better than any other time in my life at 68 years."
"This office is absolutely top-notch. I visited them for the first time this week; they were punctual, professional, courteous, kind, and great to interact with (and had a welcome gift to boot - above and beyond for sure!). Aside from a routine check up, their hygienist (I believe her name is Kelsey) gave me the most thorough cleaning I have ever had (I am extremely particular about dental hygiene so this was greatly appreciated!). A+ office. Thanks guys, I will definitely be back!"
"After my insured dentists turned me away and literally told me, good luck, I went all the way back my childhood dentist looking for help, she referred me to Doctor Hockel. I had a lot of jaw pain, needed braces, as my teeth had spaced enough that I couldnt bite into food, and after my consolation with Dr. Hockel, was referred to getting a sleep study done to learn that I also had mild sleep apnea. Dr. Hockel and his team are super kind and attentive and are set on making sure I get the help I need. If I didn't start going to them I never would have learned why I was exhausted my entire life. My jaw pain is almost gone and now that I get proper sleep, I can actually function in every day life, and am almost back to a beautiful smile again. With all dental work, it can be pricey, but I'm so thankful to have found them because they've literally helped my change my life for the better. I can finally breathe properly, eat, and sleep like a normal person."
"I brought my son to Dr. Hockel because he treats sleep apnea which my son has. My son also has Down syndrome, Dr. Hockel and his staff are not intimidated by his diagnosis at all. They treat him with kindness and respect which means so much to us. The office is warm, cozy and clean. We live in San Ramon so driving out there isn’t super convenient however the treatment that my son is getting makes it worth it. Dr. Hockel, is accessible by personal phone or email to us at any time which goes beyond the call of duty. We also take our younger daughter to Dr. Hockel. She loves going to her check ups. We will begin her orthodontic treatment in the coming year. The only issue that we have is how they bill. We have to pay up front for our appointments and then we get reimbursed by our insurance. Other than that, we are very happy with our choice of taking our kids to Dr. Hockel and team."
"This has to be the nicest office I’ve ever stepped foot in. Everything is brand new and the customer service is top notch. Dr Hockel was extremely knowledgable about everything, especially orthodontic treatment which has been something I’ve been putting off for awhile. Tam and Cynthia at the front were super helpful, and the new patient gift was a nice touch as well. I would highly recommend Dr Hockel to anyone."
"Dr. Hockel is simply fantastic. He is a perfectionist who takes a holistic approach, checking to see how his work will affect airflow (particularly if you have sleep apnea, which I do, so quite a plus for me to find a dentist/orthodontist who knows how to handle it), bite, and facial proportionality. I've been going to see Dr. Hockel and his team to address an underbite, 5(!) missing adult teeth, and overall crooked teeth. Collectively, they have straightened out my teeth, added temporary ones (still need dental implants), and have done excellent work. Would highly recommend."
"Dr. Hockel is simply fantastic - a perfectionist who takes a holistic approach, checking to see how his work will affect airflow (particularly if you have sleep apnea, which I do, so quite a plus for me to find a dentist/orthodontist who knows how to handle it), bite, and facial proportionality.I’ve been going to see Dr. Hockel and his team to address an underbite, 5 missing adult teeth, and overall crooked teeth. Collectively, they have straightened out my teeth, added new (temporary) ones, and have really done wonders for my smile. I completely agree with the reviewer who said Dr. Hockel deserves 10 stars!"
"I have been visiting the practice of Dr. Brian Hockel for the past 10 years and I am completely satisfied with my visits and the services rendered. In particular, the quality of care provided by the staff is above reproach and in particular the Dental Hygienists (thanks Nicole!) who have consistently provided quality care. The attention to detail is obvious and the results evident. An added bonus is the on site, full service Dental lab and fabrication facility operated by Steve Hockel, who works closely with Brian to ensure quality crowns, bridges, etc.I highly recommend Team Hockel!"