The term "lip ring" can be used to refer to several different pieces of jewelry worn in several different piercings. Perhaps the most common lip piercing is the labret, which goes straight through the bottom lip, usually in the center. Newer piercings, such as the Monroe and the Philtrum, sit on the side and the center of the upper lip, respectively.
Labret Stud
A labret stud goes straight through the lip, leaving only a single bead showing on the outside. Labret studs unscrew into a central bar, a bead, and a flat back that looks like a small disc. When performing a labret piercing, the piercer uses a longer bar than is necessary to allow the lip to swell. When the piercing has healed, part of the bar will stick out. At that point, the wearer can return to the piercer to have the long bar replaced with a shorter one. The same bead and flat back can be used.
Captive Bead Ring
A captive bead ring is a C-shaped ring that holds an indented bead in place with pressure. Captive bead rings are perhaps the most common piece of body jewelry, given their wearability in so many different piercings. A ring can be inserted into a labret piercing and looped over the lip itself. Those who choose to wear captive bead rings in lip piercings usually keep the bead on the outside of the lip, as it can cause damage to the teeth if bitten.
Seamless Ring
A seamless ring appears to be a solid piece of jewelry that goes all the way through the lip. However, one small segment of the ring can be removed for insertion. Because of this, seamless rings are also called segment rings. Seamless rings work well in lip piercings because they can rotate smoothly. There is no bead that can accidentally be bitten, causing tooth damage. This piece of jewelry usually requires the help of a piercer to insert, since it can be difficult to insert the segment without a pair of ring-opening pliers.
Circular Barbell
A circular barbell unscrews into three pieces, a central ring and a bead on either end. While circular barbells are sometimes referred to as "horseshoes," the ends of a horseshoe don't sit as close together as the ends of a circular barbell. When placed through a lower lip piercing, one bead sits below the lip and one sits on the lip itself. Circular barbells should only be worn by people who can resist rotating them and chewing on the beads.
Safe Oral Piercing
Oral piercings present an added risk of infection due to the proliferation of bacteria inside the mouth. Diligent aftercare is crucial, as is proper jewelry placement. Incorrectly placed lip rings can cause unnecessary damage to teeth and gums. The Association of Professional Piercers trains body modification artists extensively in oral anatomy and appropriate jewelry, as well as first aid and cross-contamination prevention procedure. Look for a certificate from the APP on your piercer's wall before allowing him to perform an oral piercing on you.
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