Computer-implemented systems and methods for updating a polygonal mesh representation of a model are provided. A model comprises a set of topologies, and a meshing state is maintained for each topology of the set of topologies. The meshing state indicates, for a given topology, whether a polygonal mesh exists and is valid. A change made to the model is determined, where the change comprises a modification to a geometry of the model or a modification to mesh settings of a polygonal mesh representation of the model. One or more topologies of the set of topologies that are affected by the change are determined, and the meshing state for the affected one or more topologies is updated. Based on the one or more updated meshing states, a set of meshing operations needed to bring the polygonal mesh representation of the model up-to-date is determined.