In nowadays orthodontics, the issue of determining objective criteria for the specific treatment of a particular patient is acute. An important role in solving this problem is played by the indices of need for orthodontic treatment. In this review of the scientific literature, a number of the most relevant to date indices are reviewed, both methods of their implementation and interpretation of results are presented, as well as comparisons of their complexity, simplicity and reliability of application in everyday practice. Both domestic and foreign clinical studies were selected for consideration in this article.