Table 2 Comparative evaluation of alginate and digital impressions from the patient’s perspective (for response scale, see Table 1). Md, median; IQR, interquartile range

I felt comfortable during the impression with alginate/the intraoral scanner

Z = − 0.673, p = 0.501

I experienced the impression with alginate/the intraoral scanner as uncomfortable

Z = − 0.533, p = 0.594

During alginate impression/digital impression, the impression tray/the camera limited my comfort

Z = − 3.496, p < 0.001

I experienced the alginate impression/ digital impression as painful

Z = − 0.778, p = 0.436

During the alginate impression/digital impression I experienced breathing difficulties

Z = − 2.558, p = 0.011

I experienced the taste of the impression material/powder as unpleasant

Z = − 0.762, p = 0.446

During alginate impression/digital impression, I complained about nausea

Z = − 0.516, p = 0.606