Cosmetic: Dr. Hockel has advanced training and artistic experience in helping you achieve the smile you want, and maintaining healthy bite function too. Ceramic and resin materials, tooth whitening and tooth reshaping, are all options to consider.
Orthodontics: Dr. Hockel does not extract teeth for orthodontics, and will often open spaces back up. Why? The simple reason is that the airway, jaw joint and appearance often require it. We focus on the actual causes of crooked teeth, jaw and bite problems, and try to resolve these causes. Both kids and adults can benefit from tooth-straightening like that.
Orthotropics: A type of treatment called Orthotropics is an amazing way to help children look and feel their best by optimizing their growth direction. Kids often grow too much vertically, having weak jaws and gummy smiles. Ask us how an Orthotropic appliance can help your child both with optimal (forward) jaw growth and a bigger airway!
Sleep Apnea: Our goal in sleep apnea care is to help you or your child open your airway. Dr. Hockel has a special interest in treating airway problems that range from snoring to Upper Airway Resistance to actual sleep apnea problems which are often related to jaw joint dysfunctions. CPAP, oral appliances and surgery are options usually discussed by the typical doctor, but theres a lot more to consider.
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 Ive been hooked ever since. Hes 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 60s. I joined him in 1989, after graduating at the top of my UCSF class clinically.
Were 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 Im grateful to be in such a beautiful and historic setting. We take pride in keeping the place comfortable.
Dr. Brian Hockel is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry, where he received numerous awards in clinical expertise, and was Clinical Professor after graduation in 1989. Even while a senior in high school, he learned lab procedures for gnathological bite reconstruction, and became a Certified Dental Technician. He was the top of his dental school class in technical performance and is a lifetime member of OKU. He focuses on cosmetic, reconstructive, orthotropic and orthodontic care, blending experience in cosmetic smile design, orthodontics for adults and children, orthotropic growth guidance, treatment of sleep disorders, and gnathological occlusion. Dr. Hockel is on the Board of Directors of the AAGO and the NAAFO, is a member of the AACD and the Intl Orthotropics Association. He has published in orthodontic journals, he teaches orthodontic courses for doctors, and has lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Hockel resides with his wife Beth and their eleven children six boys and five girls.
Dr. Brian J. Hockel Dr. Brian J. Hockelis a graduate of the UCSF School of Dentistry (89). After graduating, he practiced with his father for eleven years, and has continued the family traditions. He learnedgnathology, the study of the jaw movements and how they relate to the teeth, as a senior in high school. He was a dental technician for several years before attending dental school, at which time his brother Steve took over the laboratory.
The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Brian has focused on cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic care, and is active in theAmerican Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics, theAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, theNorth American Association of Facial Orthotropicsand theAmerican Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He combines his cosmetic, orthodontic, airway treatment and gnathology skills to bring about great changes in peoples smiles and health. Check out some of his orthodonticresults often done invisibly with Crozats or other inconspicuous appliances. See also a sample of hiscosmetic / restorative results. Dr. Hockel is one of the only northern California dentists who practicesand teachesorthotropics, a method of facial growth guidance for young kids that can result in amazingchanges.
Dr. Michaela Ching Dr. Michaela Ching is a 2013 graduate of UCLA. She pursued her dream of becoming a dentist by excelling in dental school, also at UCLA, where she received her Dental degree with an award acknowledging her Excellence in Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Ching then continued her education in Fresno by completing a General Practice Residency.
Dr. Ching is a meticulous, detail-oriented practitioner who truly cares about each patient and strives to provide quality care with a gentle touch. Her passion for dentistry is seen every day in her attention to detail and steadfast work ethic.
Dr. Ching is an active member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. She enjoys giving back to the community and has participated in medical/dental missions to Honduras, Guatemala, and China.
Dr. Ching grew up in the East Bay area and has two younger sisters, who are also pursuing careers in health care. She is fluent in Cantonese and enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking, reading, and arts and crafts.
Dr. Jack L. Hockel Dr. Jack L. Hockel, now retired, limited his practice to orthodontic treatment for many years, especially non-extraction Crozat orthopedics. He also led our on-site orthodontic study club for many years, and is currently the editor for a national orthodontic journal. A graduate of UCSF (59), he practiced as a general dentist in the area over 40 years. He has published and lectured extensively (including a book published in 2008) about this unique approach to orthodontics, especially through theAmerican Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics. He publishedCrozat Arch Development in 2008, a definitive explanation of Crozat mechanics. Dr. Jacks hobbies include saxophone, gardening, cooking, and computers. He and Judie have six children, twenty-six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 146 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestValentino Vaschetto
a year ago
Had an orthodontic emergency and could not see my doctor, so I stopped by here and they helped me on the spot! Thank you Life Dental & Orthodontics!
Fernando Rubio-Boitel
a year ago
Wonderful
Chris S
a year ago
Dr. Ching, Dr. Hockel, Jennifer, Rachel, and the whole team at Life Dental have consistently taken great care of me over the past few years, including texting back off hours when I had an urgent dental need that turned into a root canal. They epitomize professionalism. Always efficient, prompt, and nice to deal with, and they take the edge off the hassle of going to the dentist.
Linda Cannon
2 years ago
Dr Hockel snd his entire staff always give the very best, ethical and very individualized care to each patient. They each take their time to get to know and communicate well, and this is all accomplished in a lovely, "homey" and very relaxing office environment. The icing on the cake is that Dr Hockel's Orthodontic and Orthotropic care is also cutting-edge, and his training and decades of experience are unequaled.
Elzbieta Oleszkiewicz
2 years ago
I have been beyond excited with the excellent care I have received at Life Dental & Orthodontics. The office and dental team could not have been more accommodating, friendly and professional. Every time I go there Carolena the Office Coordinator greets me with the warm smile. Alba is a fantastic Dental Assistant. Dr. Assadi is wonderful, kind and respectful. She preserved as many of my own teeth as possible. Instead of putting full crowns she was able to do the partial crowns on my upper first and second molar. I highly recommend this place as it is a high quality dental practice. Thanks to dr. Assadi I love going to the dentist.
kyle cooper
2 years ago
Dr Hockel, Stacey and staff are great. Carolina is always patient and helpful with scheduling.
Valerie Harbidge
2 years ago
We love Dr Hockel and Life Dental. Grateful for the team and expertise
Joyce Sherman
2 years ago
Doctor Hockel really cares about his patients and those who help make the experience successful. I highly recommend Life Dental & Orthodontics both from an orthodontic point of view as well as a dental point of view.
Linda Cannon
2 years ago
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.
Dave Combs
2 years ago
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!
Pawel Buczek
2 years ago
Highly recommend!
Ken Lipman
2 years ago
We started a negotiating process to develop a treatment plan for a cosmetic issue. I'm glad there are options with no need to rush. Life Dental respects your need works with you on acceptable solutions.
Joan Godfrey
2 years ago
The place is immaculate the people are a pleasure to deal with and all seem very knowledgeable I can't say enough good things about it and I'm thrilled that I finally discovered this place
Candace Kremer
2 years ago
Professional and personal! Between our children we've been traveling over 2 hours to Dr. Hockel's since 2012. Their office is committed to the best oral/dental/airway function of their patients--it's not just about straightening teeth. We are always greeted as welcomed guests, not just patients. The doctors and RDAs give specific updates on the changes happening with our children and make outside referrals when necessary. We are so thankful for the expertise and philosophy of this office.
Judie Hockel
2 years ago
Such service! I needed to have my front teeth altered to enhance my appearance for a documentary I will be filmed in next week. Dr. Hockel's staff worked me in immediately and I look ten years younger. Thanks Team Hockel!
Matt Lopez
2 years ago
Dr. Hockel is an excellent and personable dentist! Very professional and friendly staff. Kalene was my hygienist and she did a great job and has nice attention to detail.
neenie600
2 years ago
Simply the best!!!
Iris Ilagan
2 years ago
Never had a dental visit that's very thorough! This practice has a very impressive service especially Kalene and Dr Ching. They both made sure i feel comfortable and fear free during my visit. Both had walked me through every procedure that were done. All the staff were nice and pleasant. Highly recommend!
Peter T
2 years ago
They are simply the best - many thanks to Rachel & Michaela, Dr Chin.
Bill Bobetsky
2 years ago
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.
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