RPE
Pronunciation: ar-pee-ee
Also written as: RPE — Rapid Palatal Expander
Abbreviation for Rapid Palatal Expander, a fixed appliance used to widen the maxillary arch by separating the midpalatal suture.
Full Definition
RPE stands for Rapid Palatal Expander, the standard fixed orthopedic device used in growing patients to treat maxillary transverse deficiency. In clinical literature, RPE is widely recognized and may be used without expansion after first definition. Some texts alternatively use the abbreviation RME (Rapid Maxillary Expander), which is synonymous. Editors encountering either abbreviation in the same manuscript should flag the inconsistency and standardize to one form throughout, noting the author's preference. RPE should always be capitalized and is never written in lowercase.
Usage
Usage note: Define on first use in general-audience or patient-facing documents. In peer-reviewed articles, RPE is typically accepted without expansion after the first parenthetical definition.
In Context
- "The RPE was removed after the retention phase confirmed adequate sutural consolidation." — Clinical progress note
- "Both RPE and RME appear in the literature; editors should standardize to one abbreviation throughout the manuscript." — Editorial style guide note