April 25, 2024

Angel Bites Piercing: Placement, Pain, Cost, Healing, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons

Angel bite piercings are edgy and unique piercings that are versatile and trendy. If you're considering angel bite piercings, it's essential to understand the cost and aftercare associated with this type of piercing.

Following is some vital information on angel bite piercings, jewelry options, and potential risks.

What Are Angel Bites Piercings?

Angel bite piercings are double piercings with two symmetrical piercings on either side of the upper lip.

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Variant: Vertical Angel Bites Piercing

Vertical angel bite piercings are similar to the standard angel bite piercings, but they are placed vertically through the upper lip and exit out the bottom. Vertical angel bites tend to be more challenging piercings due to placement. They are also prone to migration.

Variant: Angel Bite Piercing Fangs

Angel fangs are another variation of angel bites. They are double symmetrical piercings placed above the upper lips. However, they exit out through the lip, creating a fang-like appearance. Another name for this variation is paired vertical upper lip piercings.

Angel Bites and Snake Bites Piercing

A snakebite piercing consists of two separate piercings along the bottom lip. It is called a "snakebite piercing" because it resembles a bite from a snake.

Angel Bites Piercing Cost

How much do angel bite piercings cost? Angel bite piercings cost between $60 and $120 and vary depending on location, the piercer's experience, and the jewelry.

Angel Bites Piercing Pain

In general, pain associated with angel bite piercings is a 3 to 5 on a scale from 1 to 10. Because the upper lip is sensitive, angel bites may hurt more than lower lip piercings.

Pain is subjective and dependent upon individual tolerance and the thickness of your lip. An experienced piercer will ensure you are relaxed during the procedure, which may decrease your pain level.

Angel Bites Piercing Healing Time

While keeping any new piercing clean is essential, it is vital for lip piercings. If you follow aftercare instructions, your angel bites should heal within 12 to 16 weeks. However, complications can lead to a longer healing time.

Angel Bite Piercing Jewelry: Types

1. Angel Bite Piercing Studs

Piercing stud implant-grade titanium with cubic zirconia 16G $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Piercers use labret studs for angel bite piercings. These studs have a fixed, flat back and a threaded removable bead on the front. Labrets are also popular jewelry options for nose or ear piercings.

2. Angel Bite Piercing Fangs (Curved Barbells)

16G curved barbell piercing $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Angel bite fang jewelry features a large spike on one end of the labret and a ball on the other end of the curved piece. Angel bite fangs are an evolution of angel bites and are a popular style option, especially for those looking for a more edgy aesthetic.

3. Angel Bite Piercing Hoops

Piercing hoop 6mm 8mm 10 mm simple and minimalist $15.9, SHOP NOW.

Circular barbells are a good choice for those with angel bite piercings. After your piercing heals, you can switch out your jewelry with a hoop or circular barbell.

Angel Bite Piercing Jewelry: Sizes

1. Gauge and Length of Studs

Angel bite piercings are typically performed with 18 to 14-gauge lip studs adorned with a simple gemstone or bead. The post used is between 5/16 inches (8mm) and 3/8 inches (10mm) long.

After healing, you should return to your piercer to switch out your angel bite jewelry since a larger piece of jewelry is placed in the initial piercing to accommodate swelling.

2. Diameter of Hoops

The standard diameter for hoops is 1/4 inch (6mm), 5/16 inch (8mm) and 3/8 inch (10mm).

There are several variations in style, and hoops can be seamless (one continuous hoop), circular barbell ("horseshoe" shaped with balls on either end) or a captive bead ring (a continuous hoop that has one ball for placement and removal).

You’ll want to have a professional determine the proper size for you. A lip ring that’s too loose may be prone to getting snagged or twisted on things. However, you’ll be uncomfortable if your hoop is too snug.

3. Length of Angel Bite Fangs

As for angel bite fangs, length standards range from 6mm all the way to 14 mm based on the position of your piercing and your preference.

Angel Bite Piercing Jewelry: Materials

When choosing your jewelry material, picking the correct type of metal is important. Some metals are more allergy-prone or easier to care for than others. Nickel and gold can cause contact dermatitis in some people, so it's best to stay away from these two metals for your initial piercing.

1. Titanium: About $20-$40

Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, nickel-free, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.

Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.

Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.

A lower density also makes Titanium lightweight, a big plus in many user's eyes. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.

2. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30

Although surgical steel is nonreactive, it can contain nickel. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.

Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.

However, this silver alloy can contain other elements, including nickel. Make sure to buy surgical-grade steel jewelry. These will have ratings: ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, ISO 10993-6, ISO 10993-10, or ISO 10993-11.

One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.

Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.

3. Solid Gold: About $40-$200

This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.

One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.

4. Niobium: About $20-$60

Niobium is a light grey metal known for its hardness that is like titanium. The metal resists corrosion and tarnishing like others on the list, creating minimal maintenance for you.

It might be the best metal for a piercing if you want titanium-like durability with more malleability. That extra pliability makes it easier for jewelers to shape pieces. Niobium can come in various colors as it is something that you can anodize.

The only real downsides are that it weighs a bit more than titanium and you will likely pay a bit more due to the process involved in manufacturing this metal.

Angel Bite Piercing Pros and Cons

Although there are many reasons why so many people enjoy getting body modifications, there are some drawbacks as well, especially with particular types of piercings. Understanding the pros and cons of snake bite piercings will help you decide if this style suits you.

The benefits of angel bite piercings:

Angel bite piercings can heal relatively quickly.
Angel bites may be less damaging than lower lip piercings.
This piercing is eye-catching, versatile, and trendy.

The disadvantages of angel bite piercings:

Side effects may include scarring, infection, migration, or rejection.
Jewelry may come into contact with your gums and teeth, leading to gum damage or chips.
Asymmetry may occur due to individual anatomy and piercing alignment.
Oral piercings are more prone to infections due to contact with bacteria.

Angel Bite Piercing Aftercare

You may be able to do two piercings at a time, but you must make sure they get cleaned front and back. It’s crucial for you to properly clean your piercings at least twice a day.

Opt for soft foods that aren’t overly spicy or acidic.
Chew very carefully to avoid biting your lip jewelry.
Avoid strenuous activities with your mouth until your piercings are fully healed.
Clean the piercings at least twice a day using a sea salt or saline solution.
Soak the outsides of your piercings for 3-5 minutes in the solution.
Gargle with salt water, paying extra attention to the front of your mouth to clean the backs of the jewelry.
Avoid mouthwash with alcohol.
Avoid touching and playing with the jewelry as this can introduce contaminants that contribute to infection.

Once your piercings are fully healed, you’ll be able to resume most of your daily habits. However, you may still find it difficult to eat certain foods or drink certain beverages that irritate the wounds. Be sure to talk with your piercer about concerns you may have.

How to Clean Angel Bites Piercings?

The best way to prevent complications is to perform the right aftercare. This involves cleaning your piercing at least twice a day. Your piercer may give you a saline solution, or, you can make your own at home by dissolving ¼ teaspoon of sea salt into 1 cup of warm water.

To clean the piercing, you’ll soak something like a cotton ball in the saltwater solution. Then, you’ll apply it to the front and the back of the piercing to saturate the area. If needed, you can use a dampened cotton swab to gently brush away any crust.

To Conclude

Although snake bite piercings look striking and are a sure way to stand apart from the crowd, some risks are involved. By choosing a highly skilled piercer and following all aftercare instructions, you'll be able to enjoy the shine and sparkle angel bites bring to your smile for years to come.