Chloe Zhang
Plastic labrets are a common alternative to metal piercings, but they may not be suitable for everyone. While plastic labrets can be more comfortable and less irritating than metal options, there are potential health risks associated with their use. Plastic labrets may not be suitable for healing piercings as they can fuse to the skin and break down over time, potentially leeching harmful substances into the body. Additionally, plastic labrets do not prevent enamel wear or gum erosion and can still cause damage to teeth and gums. It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and consult a reputable piercer before deciding to get a plastic labret.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic labrets | Can irritate piercings |
| Are not suitable for healing piercings | |
| Are not suitable for long-term wear | |
| Can cause enamel wear and gum erosion | |
| Are more comfortable than metal labrets | |
| Are flexible and hypoallergenic | |
| Bioplast labrets | Are autoclavable |
| Are comfortable and non-irritating | |
| Are made from soft, flexible, hypoallergenic PTFE |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic labrets can irritate piercings
Plastic labret studs are made from soft, flexible, hypoallergenic PTFE, a type of BioPlast. This plastic is comfortable and non-irritating, even for those with sensitive skin. However, some people have reported that plastic labrets have irritated their piercings. This could be due to the fact that plastic is harder than tooth enamel and gums, and can therefore cause enamel wear or gum erosion. Plastic labrets may also not be suitable for healing piercings, as skin can fuse to the porous material. In addition, plastic may break down over time and leech harmful chemicals into the body.
One individual reported that their plastic labret was irritating their piercing, and so they switched to a titanium flat-back labret. However, they found that the titanium was rubbing against their teeth more than the plastic had. This illustrates that while plastic labrets may be comfortable for some people, they may not be suitable for everyone.
Another factor to consider is that plastic labrets may not always be placed correctly in the mouth, which can cause them to rub against teeth. A poorly placed labret could also lead to exposed nerves and require a skin graft to fix, as reported by one individual. Therefore, it is important to consult a reputable and experienced piercer when considering a labret piercing.
Overall, while plastic labrets may be comfortable for some, they have the potential to irritate piercings and cause other issues such as enamel wear and gum erosion. It is important to consider the potential risks associated with plastic labrets and to consult a professional piercer to make an informed decision.
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Plastic is not suitable for healing piercings
Bioplast, a form of medical "plastic", is safe for piercings and can be sterilized with high-temperature steam in an autoclave, which regular plastics cannot. It is biocompatible, inert, and flexible, reducing the chance of infection and making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. However, it is not clear if Bioplast is suitable for long-term wear in the mouth.
Glass is a safer option for long-term wear, and titanium is also a common choice for piercings. While metal jewellery may make an audible clicking noise, this is preferable to the health risks posed by plastic.
If you are considering getting a new labret piercing, it is important to discuss the material of the jewellery with your piercer beforehand and be aware of the risks and benefits of different materials.
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Plastic labrets can break down and leech carcinogens
Plastic labret studs, made from PTFE (a type of ethylene co-polymer), are comfortable and non-irritating, even for those with sensitive skin. They are soft, flexible, and hypoallergenic. However, plastic labrets may not be suitable for healing piercings as they are porous, and your skin can fuse to them. They are also not recommended for long-term wear, especially in your mouth, as they can break down and leech carcinogens into your body.
Plastic labrets can start to break down far quicker than expected and release harmful substances into your body. This is especially concerning for oral piercings, as you may accidentally ingest these toxins. In addition, plastics are harder than your tooth enamel and gums, so they won't prevent enamel wear or gum erosion. If a plastic labret is rubbing against your teeth, it may be a sign that it wasn't placed correctly for your mouth.
Bioplast labret studs are made from a new generation of low-density specialty polymers that combine the physical properties of rubber with the processing advantages of thermoplastic. They are autoclavable, with a melting point between 97ºF and 120ºF. While bioplast labret studs are comfortable and non-irritating, even for those with sensitive skin, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some people have reported that their plastic labrets were irritating their piercings, and they had to switch to titanium labrets.
It is important to note that some piercers may use bioplast without informing their clients. This can be problematic because plastic labrets are not suitable for long-term wear and can break down over time. As such, it is recommended to choose a reputable piercer who will inform you of the material options before the piercing procedure.
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Plastic won't prevent enamel wear or gum erosion
Plastic labrets are not a good option for new piercings. While plastic labrets may be marketed as comfortable and non-irritating, even for those with sensitive skin, they are not suitable for long-term wear, especially in your mouth. This is because the plastic breaks down and can leech known carcinogens into your body.
Plastic labrets also won't prevent enamel wear or gum erosion. This is because plastic is harder than your tooth enamel and gums. If a plastic labret is rubbing on your teeth, it may be a sign that the piercing wasn't placed well in the first place. A good piercer will ensure that the labret does not touch your teeth and will inform you of the material of your jewellery before the procedure.
Some people choose to get a titanium labret instead of plastic as titanium is less likely to irritate piercings. However, titanium labrets can rub against your teeth more than plastic ones, which some people find uncomfortable. Shorter bars or smaller back disks may help reduce this issue.
Overall, while plastic labrets may be comfortable and non-irritating in the short term, they are not suitable for long-term wear and will not prevent enamel wear or gum erosion. If you are concerned about the impact of a labret on your teeth, it is important to consult with an experienced piercer who can advise you on the best material and placement for your piercing.
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Metal labrets can cause an audible clicking noise
While plastic labrets are an option for new piercings, they come with some risks. Plastic labrets can irritate piercings, and your skin can fuse to the porous plastics. Plastic is also not suitable for long-term wear, especially in your mouth, as it can break down quickly and leech harmful chemicals into your body.
Metal labrets are a more durable option, but they can cause an audible clicking noise, especially when talking or smiling. This is due to the metal pieces rubbing against each other and can be more or less noticeable depending on the length of the labret. Shorter bars or smaller back disks may help reduce the noise if it is bothersome.
Threadless metal labrets are a versatile option, as they can be used for various piercing locations and allow for easy changes in appearance. However, they can be challenging to insert, as they go in from the backside of the piercing. To use a threadless labret, you must first bend the pin correctly to create enough tension to hold the top inside the backing. Then, insert the labret backing from the backside of the piercing, followed by the pin, which is inserted into the top of the labret and pushed fully into the hole.
While metal labrets may cause a clicking noise, they offer a more secure option than plastic labrets, which can come loose if not fused properly. It is important to consider the trade-offs between plastic and metal labrets and choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
To reduce the clicking noise, you can experiment with different lengths and sizes of metal labrets to find one that rubs less against your teeth. Additionally, ensuring that your piercings are placed correctly can help minimize the noise and prevent enamel wear or gum erosion.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic labret studs are not recommended for new piercings as your skin can fuse to the porous plastics. Plastic is also not suitable for long-term wear, especially in your mouth, as it can break down and leech harmful chemicals into your body.
Titanium, gold, and silver are common alternatives to plastic labret studs.
Titanium labret studs are less likely to irritate piercings than plastic ones, but they may rub against your teeth more noticeably due to their hardness.
To avoid damage to your teeth, consider getting a vertical labret piercing or a nose or side lip piercing that doesn't touch your teeth or gums. Ensure that you visit a reputable and experienced piercer who can advise you on the best placement for your piercing.
Getting a labret piercing at a young age may not be advisable due to the potential for regret and scarring as tastes change over time. Additionally, some workplaces may not allow facial piercings, which could become a concern when seeking employment.
