A method and apparatus for encoding and decoding three-dimensional mesh information are provided. The method and apparatus separately encode/decode order information of elements, such as vertices and faces, of a three-dimensional mesh model (original model) in consideration of a change in an element order during encoding three-dimensional mesh information for the original model. The method for encoding three-dimensional mesh information includes the steps of: encoding the three-dimensional mesh information and outputting an encoded bit-stream; calculating order information of at least one element in an original model contained in the three-dimensional mesh information; encoding the element order information; and generating packets of the encoded bit-stream, wherein the encoded element order information is inserted into the packet.