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The ICON (Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need) is a new index based on the consensus opinion of 97 European and American orthodontists. It records orthodontics treatment need on the basis of 5 components i.e. crossbite, upper arch crowding/spacing, buccal segment antero-posterior relationship and anterior vertical relationship. This index can be used in epidemiological studies and by public services and third party co-payment for the determination of those patients who may be eligible for public funding or reimbursement of fees.

IOTN is an index of orthodontic treatment need that has been devised on the basis of the available evidences of the deleterious effects of malocclusion on the aesthetic and health of the dentition. It has two components i.e. an aesthetic component and a dental health component. This index is widely used in epidemiological research and by third party payment for determination of those patients who should benefit from public funding.

Most adolescents in developing countries undergo orthodontic treatment. Three main reasons are routinely cited to justify the provision of orthodontic treatment i.e. the improvement of facial and/or dental aesthetic, the preservation of the health and functioning of the dentition. Orthodontic indices have been devised to minimise the subjectivity related to the classic orthodontic diagnosis. These indices can be classified under five headings: nosological, epidemiological, treatment need, outcome and complexity.