can i whiten teeth with braces on?

[poshbloke]

hi  im 17 and have just had braces put on, the problem is my teeth are yellow and i hate them! the orthodontist said that the braces will be on for about 2 years but i can't wait that long, is there any possible way at all of whitening the teeth, even if there are yellow spots when braces come off, surely I can whiten them too? normally I'd be ok but its making me really self concious and affecting everything i do...

thanks

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It sounds like you are really upset about the color of your teeth, but my suggestion would be to wait until you finish the ortho. This will permit a much more uniform shade. I think you will be much happier with the result.