The Bites Variants
Snake Bites
The classic: two studs or rings, one on each side of your lower lip. They look cool and edgy, and because they’re not directly next to each other, your body copes somewhat better than with closer piercings. Snake bites can be done in one session, but the swelling is double – your lower lip will swell considerably.
Spider Bites
Two piercings placed close together on the same side of your lower lip. This looks spookier than snake bites, but requires care: the piercer must place both correctly without hitting tissue or nerve. Spider bites are less visible in conversation than snake bites, so you notice them less in daily life.
Angel Bites
Two symmetrical piercings above your upper lip, one on each side. They look like two little corners, and they can really change your facial expression. Angel bites are slightly less stressful for your body than lower lip piercings, but still sensitive – food touches them constantly.
Dolphin Bites
Two piercings placed close together in the center of your lower lip. This requires precision from your piercer – the two holes must be perfectly parallel, or they’ll look off-center. Dolphin bites are a statement, and they heal slower because they’re so close together.
Cyber Bites
One piercing in the center above your upper lip, one in the center below your lower lip. This is vertical symmetry and looks very clean. Cyber bites are less stressful on each individual lip, but your mouth as a whole is still healing two wounds.
Shark Bites
Four piercings: two on each side of your lower lip (essentially two snake bites). This is ambitious – swelling is significant, and you’re healing four wounds at once. Shark bites are rare for a reason: they demand a lot from your body and your aftercare discipline.
Canine / K9 Bites
The ultimate combo: snake bites (two on each side of lower lip) plus angel bites (two on each side above). Four piercings total. This is a multi-week project, and many piercers space them out – lower lip first, upper lip later – to avoid overwhelming your body.
Dahlia Bites
Two piercings at the corners of your mouth. This is rare, striking, and anatomically critical – the piercer must find the exact right spot without damaging your mouth corners. Dahlia bites can look truly stunning, but not everyone has the anatomy for them.
Healing: What You Need to Know
Healing time: 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the number of piercings and your body.
Swelling is literally double. Two holes means two irritation points. Expect your lip to swell noticeably for 2-3 days, especially with multiple piercings in one session.
Oral hygiene is everything: - Alcohol-free mouthwash, 3-4 times daily (especially after eating) - Use a soft toothbrush - Don’t smoke – nicotine suppresses your immune system - Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods - Eat carefully: pasta, soup, smoothies are friends - Sleep on your back for the first 2 weeks, not on your face
Bars: Your piercer will place longer bars initially (to accommodate swelling). After 4-5 weeks, once swelling subsides, come back for shorter bars – otherwise they damage your teeth and gums.
Risks – Being Honest
Bites piercings against your teeth and gums can be serious. If your piercing sits wrong, you’re constantly eating against yourself. This can cause gum recession (gums recede) and tooth damage. A piercer who respects your anatomy is non-negotiable.
Infections happen if you skip oral hygiene – your mouth is a humid, bacteria-rich environment. Serious bleeding is rare but possible if an artery is hit. That’s why your piercer takes it slow and careful.
Allergic reactions to materials are possible. At Piercings Works, we always use implant-grade titanium and sterile single-use materials – no compromises.
Jewellery: What Works?
Studs look clean and minimize tooth damage. Rings (seamless hoops, clickers, segment rings) are more of a statement, but riskier for your teeth. If you want rings, ensure they’re smooth and won’t rub against your teeth.
Material: titanium to start, always. Later you can try gold (14k+) once fully healed. Silver or cheap materials – don’t bother, they corrode and irritate.
Visit Us – Piercings Works Amsterdam
Reguliersbreestraat 46, Amsterdam | Around the corner from Rembrandtplein
Daily 10:30–22:00 | Walk-ins welcome
We begin with an honest anatomical check. Not everyone can have every type of bites piercing – and that’s okay. We tell you what’s possible, what the risks are, and how to heal best.
Book an appointment: https://www.piercingsworks.com/en/appointment/
Download aftercare info: https://www.piercingsworks.com/en/service/download/
Price list: https://www.piercingsworks.com/en/service/studio-prijslijst/
We use implant-grade titanium and sterile single-use materials. Our piercers train continuously – since 1998, no shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get multiple bites at once?
Yes, many piercers do snake bites, angel bites, and cyber bites in one session. But seriously – your body heals one wound at a time more easily than four. Ask your piercer about phasing.
How much does it hurt?
Two piercings hurt twice, simply put. With piercings close together (dolphin, spider), it can feel more painful. Adrenaline carries you through the first; the second feels grittier.
Can you hide a bites piercing?
Not really, unless you wear very small rings. Studs are less noticeable than rings. For work or family: this is a statement piercing.
What if my anatomy isn’t suitable?
Then we tell you. Some mouths are very narrow, gum tissue is too thin, or nerve pathways are unfavorable. We won’t risk damaging your teeth.
Can I smoke with bites piercings?
Technically yes, but you heal 3-4 times slower. Nicotine constricts blood vessels – no oxygen to your wound. Want fast healing? Skip smoking or minimize it for at least 2 weeks.
How long until I can wear regular bars?
4-5 weeks, once swelling is gone. Your piercer will see it. Too early = you hit your teeth, too late = you wear longer bars longer than necessary.
Bites piercings are beautiful, bold, and they demand respect. Come to Amsterdam, have your anatomy checked, and make a decision with open eyes. We’re here to help you heal safely.