i plan to get my nose pierced but not any time soon. i have been thinking that a 18g cbr would be a better idea than a 16g. the 16g hole is alittle bigger and if i decide to take it out, the hole would be noticable. a 18g would be a smaller hole and it wouldn't be noticable or as noticable as a 16g. what do you think?

I think that nostril piercings are usually done at an 18g anyway because it makes it more convenient to wear screws since most of them are 18-20g. I don't know if you'd be able to tell the difference, but if you think you might you may want to stick with the smaller gauge.

Yup.

little off-topic, but i thought instead of starting another thread...
i've had my nostril pierced for six months and it's tame. do you guys think it's all right to put in a retainer? (from tribe, of course)

Probably. See your piercer if in doubt.