Devices and methods for gradual displacing of the soft tissues covering bones. The gap developing between the bone and the displaced soft tissue will be filled with bone callus as it is in distraction osteogenesis. The devices and methods allow formation of bone in distraction osteogenesis without cutting a segment of the bone. The devices and methods are particularly useful in dental implantology for vertical ridge augmentation by displacing the periosteal tissue and for sinus lift by displacing the Schneiderian membrane. The devices and methods can also regenerate soft tissue between the bone and the displaced soft tissue.