: Is it possible to distort the wax seal on a toilet and thus allow seepage onto floor by over-tightening the bolts? (Obviously I am a complete idiot.) What other factors could cause distortion to the seal?

Karla,
Even a complete idiot could not distort the wax by tightening the bolts.
More than likely, there is not enough wax to complete the seal. When the toilet is set down upon the wax, it should "give" about 1/2". Many times I use two wax rings.