finally brace-free, but retainer feels super weird?

Yeah, totally normal to feel tight and awkward at first. Mine felt super snug too, almost like they weren't even mine, lol. Usually takes a few days to get used to them. But if you notice sharp pain or they're cutting into your gums, that's when I'd check back with your ortho. Otherwise, give it some time - soon you'll barely notice they're there. Congrats on getting the braces off btw!

Mine felt pretty weird too at first, almost like I had someone else's teeth in my mouth, haha. Took me about a week before it stopped distracting me. Hang in there, it definitely gets easier with time.

"almost like I had someone else's teeth in my mouth, haha."

Haha, that's exactly how I'd describe it too. Retainers are weirdly intrusive at first because your mouth has gotten used to the braces. It's a sensory adjustment period - your tongue and cheeks need some time to adapt to the new shape and texture. Took me around 10 days before I stopped noticing mine altogether. Just make sure you're consistent with wearing it, because skipping days can prolong that awkward feeling... Hang in there, you're almost done!

My daughter said something similar when she first got hers - said it felt like chewing gum stuck to the roof of her mouth, lol. Took her about two weeks to get used to it, but now she barely notices it's there. Just takes a bit of patience...you'll get there soon enough.