Getting a snake eyes piercing (a horizontal tongue piercing near the tip) while wearing braces is possible but comes with additional considerations and potential challenges. Here’s a detailed explanation to help you understand whether this piercing is a good option if you have braces.

Can You Get a Snake Eyes Piercing With Braces?

Yes, you can get a snake eyes piercing even if you have braces, but it requires extra caution. Braces and tongue piercings are both located in the mouth, which can increase the risk of irritation, damage, or complications. It’s important to consult a professional piercer and your orthodontist before proceeding.

Considerations for Getting a Snake Eyes Piercing With Braces

  1. Risk of Jewelry Contact With Braces
    • The jewelry from a snake eyes piercing can come into contact with your braces, especially during speaking or eating.
    • This can cause discomfort, damage to the braces, or even harm your teeth and gums.
  2. Increased Risk of Oral Injuries
    • If the piercing jewelry gets caught on your braces, it could lead to accidental injuries, such as cuts or tongue swelling.
    • Constant friction between the jewelry and the braces may also irritate your tongue.
  3. Healing Challenges
    • Healing a snake eyes piercing requires a clean and stable oral environment.
    • Braces can make it harder to maintain oral hygiene, increasing the risk of infection or delayed healing.
  4. Speech and Eating Difficulties
    • Braces already affect speech and eating habits for many people. Adding a snake eyes piercing might amplify these challenges, especially during the initial healing period when the tongue is swollen and sensitive.
  5. Orthodontist’s Opinion
    • Your orthodontist may advise against getting a tongue piercing while wearing braces due to the potential impact on your treatment.
    • If they approve, they may suggest specific precautions to minimize risks.

Precautions If You Decide to Get a Snake Eyes Piercing With Braces

If you’re determined to get a snake eyes piercing while wearing braces, take the following precautions:

  1. Choose a Professional Piercer
    • Visit a licensed piercer with experience in oral piercings.
    • They can guide you on the best jewelry options to minimize interference with your braces.
  2. Opt for Biocompatible Jewelry
    • Use flexible materials like PTFE or Bioflex for the barbell. These are gentler on your teeth and braces than metal jewelry.
    • Avoid large or heavy jewelry that could damage your braces or teeth.
  3. Strict Oral Hygiene
    • Brush your teeth and clean your braces thoroughly after every meal to prevent bacteria buildup.
    • Rinse your mouth regularly with alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash or saline solution.
  4. Monitor Movement
    • Pay attention to how the jewelry interacts with your braces during speaking and eating.
    • If the jewelry frequently gets caught or causes irritation, consult your piercer for adjustments.
  5. Follow Aftercare Instructions
    • Adhere to your piercer’s aftercare guidelines to promote healing and prevent infections.
    • Avoid spicy, acidic, or hard foods that could irritate the piercing or damage your braces.

Challenges and Risks of Combining Snake Eyes Piercing With Braces

  1. Potential Damage to Braces
    • Repeated contact between the jewelry and braces can loosen brackets or bend wires, disrupting your orthodontic treatment.
  2. Dental and Gum Issues
    • The jewelry may cause dental enamel erosion or gum recession over time due to constant friction.
    • Braces can amplify these effects since they already exert pressure on your teeth and gums.
  3. Extended Healing Time
    • Having both braces and a fresh piercing in the mouth can make it harder to maintain a sterile environment, potentially prolonging the healing process.
    • Braces increase the likelihood of minor injuries, which can slow healing.
  4. Pain and Discomfort
    • Swelling and tenderness from the piercing may feel more pronounced due to the presence of braces, making the initial healing period uncomfortable.

When Should You Wait?

It might be better to wait until your braces are removed before getting a snake eyes piercing if:

  • Your orthodontist advises against it.
  • You’re struggling to maintain good oral hygiene with braces.
  • You’re concerned about potential damage to your teeth, gums, or orthodontic appliances.

Waiting ensures a smoother piercing experience and minimizes risks.