Regular labret or vertical labret

So I really want a central lebret, however, it can cause gum recession and tooth damage. My other option is a vertical labret, but I like a regular labret more. Is there a way to make a vertical look like a regular? Like just the bottom ball and not the top?

Or could I get a regular labret with a soft backing that doesnt cause damage? I know some people's labrets nest. Do nested labrets still cause damage? Could a put a dental wax over the backing? I know when I had braces I could put wax over my brackets so they wouldnt hurt the inside of my mouth.

It would be my only oral piercing I plan on getting.