Angel bites: Price, pain, healing, aftercare, jewelry

The angel bites piercing seems to fit any trend and style. They offer an edgy and bold look and bring symmetry to the face. They are also unique and can be a fun way to express your personality and style.

Keep reading to learn more about angel bites piercing, as well as the potential pros and cons of getting this type of piercing.

What are angel bites?

The angel bites piercing seems to fit any trend and style. They are two symmetrical piercings positioned above the upper lip. They offer an edgy and bold look and bring symmetry to the face.

This piercing tends to be painful depending on the thickness of the area, but it is manageable. The pain level is slightly above average, ranging from 6 out of 10. It will take an average of 16 weeks for the angel bite to recover.

When it comes to jewelry, most people prefer to use labret studs for this style. Normally, a 14G size is more suitable. Recommended materials include implant-grade titanium, solid gold, platinum, and surgical stainless steel.

There are a few potential pros and cons of angel bites lip piercing for you to consider.

Pros

• They bring symmetry to the face
• They offer an edgy and bold look 
• They are a unique piercing option and can be a fun way to express your personality and style.

Cons

• Since the jewelry will be located inside your mouth, this piercing might hurt your gum and lip if placed improperly
• You might feel uncomfortable when you eat and drink
• The two piercings on each side of your mouth might be uneven
• It can be difficult to find an experienced piercer as angel bites piercings are quite rare
• You may need to visit the piercer twice to get this piercing done

Variant: Vertical angel bites

Vertical angel bites piercings, also called angel fangs piercings, are located at and above your upper lip. They involve two symmetrical piercings, spaced above your top lift to the right and the left.

What makes angel fangs unique is they go down through your upper lip. So instead of just seeing two piercings, it looks like four. You may also hear them called “paired vertical upper lip piercings.”

When looking at someone with angel fangs, you’ll usually see two balls or gemstones above their lips and then two fangs coming down from the bottom of their top lip. They are named after angel bites, which don’t have the fang component.

How much do angel bites cost?

The cost mostly depends on the location and price of the jewelry. Most stores charge between $50-$80. Some websites list their charges, and it would be wise to go through them before visiting the store.

How long do angel bites piercings take to heal?

The healing process typically takes about 16 weeks, as long as you take good care of the piercing. And it could take longer depending on an individual’s skin type.

Do angel bites piercings hurt?

This piercing tends to be painful depending on the thickness of the area, but it is manageable. The pain level is slightly above average, ranging from 6 out of 10. That being said, pain tolerance varies in different people.

Potential risks

Knowing all the risks and taking good care of your piercings should help you achieve an overall good result. You can expect the healing process to take approximately 16 weeks or sometimes longer.

1. Infection

Since a piercing is an open wound, there is the potential for developing an infection. If the piercings involve mouth bacteria, the chances of an infection increase.

If you see signs of infection, you can use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide to clean the piercing twice per day.

2. Gum and tooth erosion

Since the ends of the jewelry will be located inside your mouth, this piercing might hurt your gum, teeth, and lip if placed improperly or if you choose the wrong jewelry.

Make sure that you are ordering the right design and size so that the jewelry fits comfortably through your lip. Sharp, thick, or large ends could be uncomfortable or even hurt your gum, teeth, and lip. You might also feel uncomfortable when you eat and drink.

3. Uneven angel bites piercings

Angel bites lip piercings as with many other types of lip piercings require symmetry to achieve the desired look. When angel bites piercings are uneven, most people opt for removing them because they simply don’t look right.

Even placement is another reason why you should only have your piercings done by an experienced professional.

As your body begins to heal after the initial piercing, each side of your mouth may react differently. It may temporarily give an uneven appearance, which is why you should wait until you are completely healed to assess the evenness of your piercings.

Eating with angel bites piercings

Because of the unique location of these piercings, they make eating a challenge for some.

The jewelry can sometimes get caught as you chew, which can lead to chipped or broken teeth. Eating can also irritate the piercing as it heals, making it more likely for your body to reject it or develop an infection.

What to do then? Eat slowly, and think about chewing. Avoid hot and spicy food and hot drinks which will scald and/or increase swelling.

What gauge are the angel bites piercing?

14 gauge (1.6 mm or 1/16-inch in thickness) is most suitable for the Angel Bites Piercing. For this piercing, piercers will often use a slightly larger needle to make healing easier. You can switch to a larger gauge (thinner) after the piercing heals.

The larger hole allows for some swelling and prevents the healing from getting too tight as it heals.

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Jewelry for angel bites lip piercing

Labret studs are the best choice for angel bites piercings. They are also known as flatback studs or flat disc labret studs.

They are designed to give a comfortable feel in the mouth as it has a flat back on one of their ends and an accessory such as a ball, charm, or stone on the other end that is threaded.

It is designed with consideration to fit and get into contact with the lip and gums, and teeth.

The studs can display both sides of the jewel, with one end of the stud having threads and the other with a design.

They have the advantage of better healing for the piercings and are designed with safe materials that mean they are good for health.

Pros:

• They heal relatively quickly
• They don’t cause much discomfort
• They aren’t extremely noticeable

Cons:

• They can come out more easily than lip rings
• If not cleaned regularly, they can get infected

Recommended metals for angel bites piercings

1. Implant-Grade Titanium

Titanium is an element that is completely hypoallergenic, so it’s probably the best material for lip piercings, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Implant-grade titanium is the purest form and will not change or corrode if it’s exposed to skin or bodily fluids. Implant-grade titanium jewelry is durable, hypoallergic, lead-free, nickel free, and non-corrosive.

Implant-grade titanium is often marketed as ASTM F-136 titanium. Compared to ASTM F-136 titanium, G23 titanium is not an implant grade of titanium.

Price Range: About $10-$20.

Pros:

• Approved by the Association of Professional Piercers
• Won’t cause allergic reactions
• Is scratch-resistant and won’t fade

Cons:

• Not as valuable as gold, silver, or platinum
• Doesn’t sparkle quite as much as other metals

2. 14K or 18K Gold

If you’re looking for a glittering, valuable metal for your lip piercing jewelry, either 14K or 18K gold may be your answer.

It is also one of the best metals for lip piercings that are highly recommended not only by piercing experts but also doctors. Its excellent quality of being inert makes it suitable for first piercings.

However, gold is a fairly soft metal, so it doesn’t stand up to scratches and excessive wear. Compared to 14K gold, 18K gold is more prone to being affected by everyday use as it is softer and is closer to being pure 24K gold.

Both of these metals include other metal types in order to make them stronger. In order to avoid skin reactions, look for nickel-free metals.

Price Range: About $30-$200.

Pros:

• One of the most valuable materials
• Will not easily tarnish
• Offers plenty of sparkles
• Is easy to engrave or use to set stones

Cons:

• May contain non-hypoallergenic metals
• 18K gold in particular is not very scratch resistant

3. Platinum

Platinum is a precious metal, so it’s one of the pricier options on the list. It’s completely hypoallergenic, so it’s safe for even very sensitive skin. Its brilliant luster makes it a good choice for those seeking a sparkly, high-end look.

Price Range: About $40-$200.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic and non-reactive
• Has a brilliant shine
• Is a very valuable material

Cons:

• Is a lot heavier than other metals
• It’s uncommon, so your jewelry choices might be limited

4. Surgical Stainless Steel

Lots of new piercings are done in stainless steel. This material is affordable and typically doesn’t cause reactions. However, it contains a small amount of nickel, so if you have a nickel allergy, it might be best to choose something else.

It is incredibly resistant to corrosion and will keep its shine for years.

If you’re considering steel, 316L or 316 LVM steel is probably your best choice. Both names stand for the same surgical steel material, but the “VM” stands for”vacuum melt,” or the way the steel is produced.

Price Range: About $10-$40.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Common enough that you’ll have plenty of jewelry choices
• Extremely durable and resistant to damage and corrosion

Cons:

• May cause reactions in those with nickel allergies
• Not considered as valuable as some other materials

How to take care of Angel Bites piercings?

• Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
• Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
• Avoid getting in water that might be dirty.
• Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline/salt solution or a piercing aftercare spray.
• When brushing your teeth and cleaning your mouth, use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
• And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
• Don’t move the piercing before it heals. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.

How to clean Angel Bites piercings?

1. Make a salt solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt with one cup of water. Stir the solution until it dissolves. As an alternative, you can buy ready-to-use piercing aftercare sprays.
2. If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
3. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it around the piercing site. Don’t remove the jewelry!
4. Take clean gauze or tissue and pat the area dry.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on keeping your piercing clean once the piercing has been placed.

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