Alginate remains the economical workhorse for preliminary impressions, study models, and opposing arches. It's used in volume, so set time, mix consistency, and price per pound are what most practices weigh when choosing a brand.
Because alginate is a high-turnover material, even small differences in price per pound add up across a year of study models and ortho records. Alara brings alginate from your connected vendors into one view so you can compare the products your assistants find predictable to mix against current pricing and availability.