Top 5 Smiley Extender Designs You’ll Want to Try

Smiley Extender FAQ: Sizes, Healing, and AftercareA smiley extender is a specialized jewelry piece used temporarily during the healing or stretching process of a smiley piercing (a small oral piercing of the frenulum — the thin strip of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum). This FAQ covers sizes, healing timelines, placement, how to use extenders safely, cleaning and aftercare, signs of complications, and tips for choosing and maintaining jewelry.

What is a smiley extender and when is it used?

A smiley extender (also called a frenulum extender) is a curved or straight piece of jewelry designed to keep the frenulum piercing open while reducing pressure and allowing for minor movement. People typically use extenders:

• During the early healing period if standard jewelry causes irritation.
• When stretching the piercing slightly for a larger piece of jewelry.
• Temporarily to allow the oral tissue more room during swelling or after dental work.

Note: An extender is not a substitute for proper healing jewelry prescribed by a professional piercer.

Common sizes and measurements

Smiley jewelry is measured in two main ways: gauge (thickness) and length/diameter.

• Gauge: Common gauges for smiley piercings are 16G (1.2 mm) and 14G (1.6 mm). Some people use 18G (1.0 mm) for very thin frenulums, but smaller gauges can increase the risk of migration or rejection.
• Length / Inner Diameter: For captive bead rings or circular barbells, typical inner diameters for smiley piercings range from 6 mm to 10 mm, depending on anatomy and swelling. Barbell lengths for straight or curved barbells usually range from 6 mm to 8 mm for initial jewelry.
• Extenders: Extenders are sized to fit the specific gauge and to provide a slightly increased length/curve. Common extender options match popular gauges (16G or 14G) and add 1–3 mm in length or use a shallow curve appropriate for the frenulum.

Because anatomy varies, always have a professional piercer measure your piercing and recommend size.

Healing timeline

Healing time varies by individual and care:

• Initial healing phase: 4–6 weeks — during which swelling and tenderness are common.
• Full healing: 3–6 months — most smiley piercings stabilize, but complete maturation can take up to a year in some cases.

Extenders may be used after the initial swelling subsides and upon piercer recommendation. Avoid frequent jewelry changes during the first 4–6 weeks.

How to insert and remove an extender safely

• Always wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.
• Use a clean, flat surface and, if available, nitrile gloves.
• Apply a saline rinse to lubricate the area.
• If the jewelry is captive bead ring style, have someone trained (piercer) assist with removing/installing to avoid trauma.
• For threaded threaded ends, turn gently; do not force. If resistance occurs, stop and consult your piercer.

If you feel sharp pain, bleeding, or the jewelry does not move smoothly, stop and seek professional help.

Cleaning and aftercare

• Rinse the mouth with an alcohol-free, nonantiseptic saline rinse after eating, drinking (except water), smoking, or using oral products. A recommended recipe: mix ⁄₄ teaspoon non-iodized sea salt with 8 oz (240 ml) of warm distilled or bottled water.
• Brush teeth gently and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the area.
• Avoid oral contact (kissing, oral sex), spicy or acidic foods, and tobacco during the initial healing phase.
• Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or strong antiseptics in the mouth — they can delay healing.
• Attend follow-up appointments with your piercer to check positioning and healing.

Signs of infection, migration, or rejection

Watch for:

• Increasing pain, swelling, persistent bleeding.
• Yellow or green pus, bad odor, or fever (seek medical care).
• Jewelry moving closer to the surface, thinning of tissue, or the piercing gradually shifting — signs of migration/rejection; consult your piercer and consider removal.

If concerned, contact a professional piercer or healthcare provider promptly.

Choosing material and quality

• Implant-grade stainless steel (316L or 316LVM), titanium (ASTM F136 or F67), or niobium are preferred for initial and healing jewelry due to lower reactivity.
• Gold should be solid 14K or higher and nickel-free; gold-plated pieces are not recommended for healing.
• Avoid low-cost alloys, costume jewelry, or plated materials during healing.

When to see a professional

• If you experience signs of infection, severe pain, prolonged bleeding, allergic reaction, or rapid migration.
• For sizing changes, extender fitting, or if you’re unsure about insertion/removal.

Practical tips

• Keep a small travel-sized saline rinse for on-the-go care.
• Sleep on your back or avoid putting pressure on your lip while healing.
• Be patient — oral piercings often heal quicker than body piercings but still need gentle care.

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